PARRIS N. GLENDENING, Governor

Ch. 35

(D) EMPLOYMENT BY PHYSICIAN NOT REQUIRED.

A POLICY THAT PROVIDES BENEFITS UNDER THIS SECTION FOR SERVICES
RENDERED BY A NURSE ANESTHETIST MAY NOT REQUIRE, AS A CONDITION FOR
THE PAYMENT OF BENEFITS, THAT THE NURSE ANESTHETIST BE EMPLOYED BY A
PHYSICIAN.

(E) UTILIZATION OF BENEFITS SUBJECT TO PEER REVIEW.

THE UTILIZATION OF HEALTH INSURANCE BENEFITS PROVIDED UNDER THIS
SECTION FOR SERVICES RENDERED BY A NURSE ANESTHETIST IS SUBJECT TO
REVIEW BY A PEER REVIEW COMMITTEE APPOINTED BY THE STATE BOARD OF
NURSING.

REVISOR'S NOTE: This section is new language derived without substantive
change from former Art. 48A, §§ 354Y, 470T, and 477Z.

In subsection (a) of this section, the former reference to a registered nurse
who is "[c]ertified under this section to practice nurse anesthesia" is deleted
since registered nurses are not certified under this section.

In the introductory language of subsection (b) of this section, the reference to
each individual, group, "or blanket" policy, contract, or certificate is added to
clarify the applicability of this section. This addition is intended to reflect the
reference in former Art. 48A, § 477Z(c) to "blanket" health insurance
benefits. The Insurance Article Review Committee believes this addition
reflects legislative intent, and calls this addition to the attention of the
General Assembly.

Also in the introductory language of subsection (b) of this section, the
reference to a policy, contract, or certificate "of an insurer or nonprofit health
service plan" is added to clarify the applicability of this section. Similarly, in
subsection (b)(1)(i) of this section, the reference to a policy, contract, or
certificate that is "issued or" delivered in the State is added for clarity.

Also in the introductory language of subsection (b) of this section, the former
references to "sickness", "accident", or "disability" insurance are deleted as
unnecessary in light of the comprehensive definition of "health insurance".

In subsection (b)(1)(iii) of this section, the reference to "individuals" who
reside or work in the State is substituted for the former references to
"persons" since only an individual can reside or work in the State.

In subsection (b)(2) of this section, the former references to a policy, contract,
or certificate that is "modified" or "altered" are deleted as included in the
reference to a policy, contract, or certificate that is "amended".

In subsection (c) of this section, the reference to a "physician" is substituted
for the former references to a "doctor of medicine" for consistency within this
subtitle.

Also in subsection (c) of this section, the former references to reimbursement

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