PARRIS N. GLENDENING, Governor

Ch. 217

WHEREAS, Because osteoporosis progresses silently and currently has no cure,
prevention, early diagnosis, and treatment are key to reducing the prevalence and
devastation of this disease; and

WHEREAS, Medical experts agree that osteoporosis is preventable and treatable,
however, once the disease progresses to the point of fracture its associated consequences
often lead to disability and institutionalization, and exact a heavy toll on quality of life;

and

WHEREAS, Given the current national focus on health care reform and reducing
unnecessary health care expenditures through the use of health promotion/disease
prevention programs, mandating coverage of services, such us bone mass measurement,
related to prevention, early diagnosis, and timely treatment of osteoporosis is a
cost-effective approach for states to embrace; and

WHEREAS, Bone mass measurement is a reliable way to detect the presence of low
bone mass and to ascertain the extent of bone loss to help assess on individual's risk for
fracture, and this aids in selecting appropriate therapies and interventions; and

WHEREAS, Ordinary X rays are not sensitive enough to detect osteoporosis until
25% to 40% of bone mass has been lost and the disease is far advanced; and

WHEREAS, Currently available technologies for bone mass measurement include:
single and dual photon absorptiometry, single and dual energy X ray absorptiometry,
quantitative computed tomography, and radiographic absorptiometry; and

WHEREAS, Other technologies for measuring bone mass are under investigation
and may become scientifically proven technologies in the future; and

WHEREAS, Scientifically proven technologies for bone mass measurement and
other services related to the preventions diagnosis, and treatment of osteoporosis can be
used effectively to reduce the pain and financial burden that osteoporosis inflicts upon its
victims; now, therefore,

SECTION 1. BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF
MARYLAND, That the Laws of Maryland read as follows:

Article - Health - General

19-706.

(N) THE PROVISIONS OF § 15-822 OF THE INSURANCE ARTICLE SHALL APPLY
TO HEALTH MAINTENANCE ORGANIZATIONS.

Article - Insurance

15-822.

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

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