PARRIS N. GLENDENING, Governor                             Ch. 529

PERSON WITHOUT THE PRIOR WRITTEN CONSENT OF THE HEALTH MAINTENANCE
ORGANIZATION, UNLESS THE SECRETARY, AFTER GIVING NOTICE AND AN
OPPORTUNITY FOR A HEARING TO THE HEALTH MAINTENANCE ORGANIZATION,
DETERMINES THAT THE INTERESTS OF THE PUBLIC WOULD BE SERVED BY THE
DISCLOSURE OF THE INFORMATION OR DOCUMENTS IN THE MANNER THAT THE
SECRETARY DETERMINES IS APPROPRIATE.

(V) THE SECRETARY MAY INSPECT ANY FACILITY OF A HEALTH
MAINTENANCE ORGANIZATION FOR THE PURPOSE OF INVESTIGATING A
COMPLAINT OR TO FOLLOW UP ON A PROBLEM IDENTIFIED IN AN ACCREDITATION
REPORT.

(5) (I) THE SECRETARY MAY ACCEPT ALL OR PART OF A REPORT OF
AN APPROVED ACCREDITING ORGANIZATION AS MEETING THE EXTERNAL REVIEW
REQUIREMENTS UNDER THIS SUBTITLE

(II)     EXCEPT AS PROVIDED IN SUBPARAGRAPH (III) OF THIS
PARAGRAPH, A REPORT OF AN APPROVED ACCREDITING ORGANIZATION USED BY
THE DEPARTMENT AS MEETING THE EXTERNAL REVIEW REQUIREMENTS UNDER
THIS SUBTITLE SHALL BE MADE AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC ON REQUEST.

(III)   THE DEPARTMENT MAY NOT DISCLOSE AND SHALL TREAT AS
CONFIDENTIAL ALL CONFIDENTIAL COMMERCIAL AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION
CONTAINED IN A REPORT OF AN APPROVED ACCREDITING ORGANIZATION IN
ACCORDANCE WITH § 10-617(D) OF THE STATE GOVERNMENT ARTICLE.

(IV) THE DEPARTMENT MAY INSPECT A FACILITY OF A HEALTH
MAINTENANCE ORGANIZATION TO:

1. DETERMINE COMPLIANCE WITH ANY QUALITY
REQUIREMENT ESTABLISHED UNDER THIS SUBTITLE;

2.       FOLLOW UP ON A SERIOUS PROBLEM IDENTIFIED BY AN
APPROVED ACCREDITING ORGANIZATION; OR

3.       INVESTIGATE A COMPLAINT.

Article - Health Occupations

14-501.

(a) (1) In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.

(2) (i) "Alternative health care system" means a system of health care
delivery other than a hospital or related institution.

(ii) "Alternative health care system" includes:

1.       A health maintenance organization;

2.       A preferred provider organization;

3.       An independent practice association; or

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