(7) Ensure utilization of the medical care data base as a primary means
to compile data and information and annually report on trends and variances
regarding fees for service, cost of care, regional and national comparisons, and
indications of malpractice situations;

(8) Develop a payment system for health care services;

(9) Establish standards for the operation and licensing of medical care
electronic claims clearinghouses in Maryland;

(10) Foster the development of practice parameters;

(11) Reduce the costs of claims submission and the administration of
claims for health care practitioners and payors; [and]

(12) Develop a uniform set of effective benefits to be offered as
substantial, available, and affordable coverage in the nongroup market in accordance
with § 15-606 of the Insurance Article; AND

(13) DETERMINE THE COST OF MANDATED HEALTH INSURANCE
SERVICES IN THE STATE IN ACCORDANCE WITH TITLE 15, SUBTITLE 15 OF THE
INSURANCE ARTICLE.

Article — Insurance

15-1501.

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

(2) "Commission" means the Health Care Access and Cost Commission.

(3) (i) "Mandated health insurance service" means a legislative
proposal or statute that would require a particular health care service to be provided
or offered in a health benefit plan, by a carrier or other organization authorized to
provide health benefit plans in the State.

(ii) "Mandated health insurance service", as applicable to all
carriers, does not include services enumerated to describe a health maintenance
organization under § 19-702(f)(2) § 19-701(F)(2) of the Health - General Article.

(b) This [section] SUBTITLE does not affect the ability of the General
Assembly to enact legislation on mandated health insurance services.

(c) (1) The Commission shall assess the social, medical, and financial
impacts of a proposed mandated health insurance service.

(2) In assessing a proposed mandated health insurance service and to
the extent that information is available, the Commission shall consider:

(i) social impacts, including:

1. the extent to which the service is generally utilized by a
significant portion of the population;