Ch. 35

1997 LAWS OF MARYLAND

(2) THE INFORMATION PROVIDED UNDER PARAGRAPH (1) OF THIS
SUBSECTION SHALL BE UPDATED AT LEAST ONCE A YEAR.

(3) A POLICY, CERTIFICATE, OR OTHER EVIDENCE OF COVERAGE

SHALL:

(I) INDICATE CLEARLY THE OFFICE IN THE ADMINISTRATION
THAT IS RESPONSIBLE FOR RECEIVING AND RESPONDING TO COMPLAINTS FROM
ENROLLEES ABOUT CARRIERS; AND

(II) INCLUDE THE TELEPHONE NUMBER OF THE OFFICE AND THE
PROCEDURE FOR FILING A COMPLAINT.

(K) DUTIES OF COMMISSIONER.

THE COMMISSIONER:

(1) SHALL ADOPT REGULATIONS THAT RELATE TO THE PROCEDURES
THAT CARRIERS MUST USE TO PROCESS APPLICATIONS FOR PARTICIPATION ON A
PROVIDER PANEL; AND

(2) IN CONSULTATION WITH THE SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND MENTAL
HYGIENE, SHALL ADOPT STRATEGIES TO ASSIST CARRIERS IN MAXIMIZING THE
OPPORTUNITY FOR A BROAD RANGE OF MINORITY PROVIDERS TO PARTICIPATE IN
THE DELIVERY OF HEALTH CARE SERVICES.

REVISOR'S NOTE: This section is new language derived without substantive
change from former Art. 48A, § 490CC.

In subsection (a)(2)(i)5 of this section, the former reference to an
"organization" is deleted as included in the defined term "person".

In subsection (a)(4) of this section, the word "certified", which modifies
health care "practitioner[s]", is added for consistency with subsection (f)(1) of
this section.

In subsections (a)(5)(ii) and (f)(1) of this section, the references to "health
care" services are added for clarity and consistency within this section.

In subsection (a)(5)(ii) of this section, the former reference to an arrangement
"between a carrier and providers" is deleted as implicit.

In subsection (b)(2)(ii) of this section, the reference to receiving health care
services "from the enrollee's primary care provider" is added for clarity.

In subsection (b)(4) of this section, the reference to termination of the
provider "from the carrier's provider panel" is added for clarity.

In subsection (c)(1) of this section, the former reference to applying for
participation "in the carrier's provider panel" is deleted as implicit.

In subsection (d)(3)(ii), the introductory language of (iii), and (iv) of this
section, the former references to "written" notice are deleted as unnecessary
in light of the cross-references to subparagraphs (i), (i)1, and (iii)2,

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