(1) Is not inconsistent with the State health plan or any
institution-specific plan;

(2) Will result in the delivery of more efficient and effective hospital
services; and

(3) Is in the public interest.

(b) Notwithstanding the fact that a merger or consolidation or the joint
ownership and operation of major medical equipment may limit free economic
competition, a hospital may engage in a merger or consolidation or the joint
ownership of major medical equipment that has been approved by the Commission
under this section.

10 131. RESERVED

19-131. RESERVED.

(A) THERE IS AN ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON LONG TERM CARE IN THE
COMMISSION.

(B) THE PURPOSE OF THE COMMITTEE IS TO ADVISE AND MAKE
RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE COMMISSION ON THE DELIVERY OF LONG-TERM CARE
IN MARYLAND'S HEALTH CARE SYSTEM.

(C) (1) THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE SHALL CONSIST OF NINE MEMBERS
APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR

(2) OF THE NINE MEMBERS.

(I) THREE SHALL REPRESENT ENTITIES PROVIDING LONG-TERM
CARE, AT LEAST TWO OF WHICH SHALL REPRESENT COMPREHENSIVE CARE
FACILITIES;

(II) ONE SHALL REPRESENT AN ASSISTED LIVING FACILITY;

(III) ONE SHALL BE A REGISTERED NURSE WITH TRAINING AND
EXPERIENCE IN GERIATRIC MEDICINE;

(IV) ONE SHALL BE A LICENSED PHYSICIAN WITH TRAINING AND
EXPERIENCE IN GERIATRIC MEDICINE;

(V) ONE SHALL REPRESENT THE DEPARTMENT OF AGING;

(VI) ONE SHALL REPRESENT THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND
MENTAL HYGIENE; AND

(VII) ONE SHALL BE A PUBLIC MEMBER.

(D) (1) THE GOVERNOR SHALL APPOINT A CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMITTEE.

(2) THE COMMITTEE SHALL DETERMINE THE TIMES AND PLACES OF ITS
MEETINGS.