Ch. 503

1996 LAWS OF MARYLAND

the fund may consist of real property, in kind contributions, or funds expended prior to
the effective date of this Act. In case of any dispute as to the amount of the matching
fund or what money or assets may qualify as matching funds, the Board of Public Works
shall determine the matter and the Board's decision is final. The grantee has until June 1,
1998, to present evidence satisfactory to the Board of Public Works that a matching fund
will be provided. If satisfactory evidence is presented, the Board shall certify this fact and
the amount of the matching fund to the State Treasurer, and the proceeds of the loan
equal to the amount of the matching fund shall be expended for the purposes provided in
this Act. Any amount of the loan in excess of the amount of the matching fund certified
by the Board of Public Works shall be canceled and be of no further effect.

SECTION 2. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That this Act shall take effect
June 1, 1996.

Approved May 14, 1996.

CHAPTER 503
(House Bill 859)

AN ACT concerning

Health Maintenance Organizations - Reimbursement to Providers of Emergency Services

FOR the purpose of altering certain standards of quality of care to include a requirement that
any nonparticipating provider submit certain documentation to the health maintenance
organization; requiring health maintenance organizations to reimburse emergency
facilities and providers for certain services provided to members or subscribers
under certain circumstances; prohibiting health maintenance organizations from
requiring certain providers to obtain approval before rendering services in order to
obtain reimbursement; requiring health maintenance organizations to reimburse
certain providers under certain circumstances; allowing health maintenance
organizations to collect payment from members or subscribers for certain services
under certain conditions; repealing certain provisions that encourage health
maintenance organizations to use noncontracting providers; altering certain
requirements related to information health maintenance organizations provide to
members related to emergency services; requiring a certain study on the cost of a
certain emergency room screening; requiring a certain study on payment for medical
screening; requiring a certain report; requiring the Secretary of Health and Mental
Hygiene to work with the Maryland Hospital Association on development of a certain
bundled payment; providing for the termination of a provision of this Act subject to a
certain contingency; requiring the Secretary of Health and Mental Hygiene to forward
certain notices to the Department of Legislative References; and generally relating to
emergency services for members of health maintenance organizations.

BY repealing and reenacting, with amendments,
Article - Health - General
Section 19-705.1(b) and 19-716

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