Ch. 35

1997 LAWS OF MARYLAND

(2) AN OBJECTIVE SECOND OPINION GIVEN TO THE INSURED WHEN
REQUIRED BY A UTILIZATION REVIEW PROGRAM UNDER § 19-319 OF THE HEALTH -
GENERAL ARTICLE,

REVISOR'S NOTE: This section is new language derived without substantive
change from former Art. 48A, §§ 354CC, 470V, and 477DD.

In subsection (a)(1) of this section, the references to each "individual," group,
or blanket health insurance policy that is issued or delivered in the State "by
an insurer" are added to clarify the applicability of this section.

In subsection (b)(1) of this section, the reference to the denial "after review
under" a utilization review program is substituted for the former references to
the denial "resulting from" a utilization review program for clarity.

Defined terms: "Health insurance" § 1-101
"Insurer" § 1-101
"Policy" § 1-101

15-820. BENEFITS FOR PROSTHETIC DEVICES AND ORTHOPEDIC BRACES.

(A) DEFINITIONS.

(1) IN THIS SECTION THE FOLLOWING WORDS HAVE THE MEANINGS
INDICATED.

(2) "ORTHOPEDIC BRACE" MEANS A RIGID OR SEMI-RIGID DEVICE
THAT IS USED TO:

(I) SUPPORT A WEAK OR DEFORMED BODY MEMBER; OR

(II) RESTRICT OR ELIMINATE MOTION IN A DISEASED OR INJURED
PART OF THE BODY.

(3) "PROSTHETIC DEVICE" MEANS AN ARTIFICIAL LIMB.

(B) BENEFITS REQUIRED.

EACH HEALTH INSURANCE CONTRACT THAT IS DELIVERED OR ISSUED FOR
DELIVERY IN THE STATE BY A NONPROFIT HEALTH SERVICE PLAN AND THAT
PROVIDES HOSPITAL BENEFITS SHALL PROVIDE BENEFITS FOR PROSTHETIC
DEVICES AND ORTHOPEDIC BRACES.

REVISOR'S NOTE: This section is new language derived without substantive
change from former Art. 48A, § 354Q(a) and (b).

Subsection (a)(1) of this section is revised in the standard introductory
language used in a definition subsection.

Former Art. 48A, § 354Q(c), which applied the provisions of former § 354Q to
contracts issued, renewed, modified, altered, amended, or reissued on or after
July 1, 1978, is deleted as obsolete.

Defined term: "Health insurance" § 1-101

- 1094 -