(b) (1) To carry out its powers under subsection (a) of this section, the
Commission may review and approve or disapprove the reasonableness of any rate
that a facility sets or requests.

(2) A facility shall charge for services only at a rate set in accordance
with this subtitle.

(3) In determining the reasonableness of rates, the Commission may
take into account objective standards of efficiency and effectiveness.

(c) To promote the most efficient and effective use of health care facility
services and, if it is in the public interest and consistent with this subtitle, the
Commission may promote and approve alternate methods of rate determination and
payment that are of an experimental nature.

[19-217.] 19-220.

(a) (1) To have the statistical information needed for rate review and
approval, the Commission shall compile all relevant financial and accounting
information.

(2) The information shall include:

(i) Necessary operating expenses;

(ii) Appropriate expenses that are incurred in providing services to
patients who cannot or do not pay;

(iii) Incurred interest charges; and

(iv) Reasonable depreciation expenses that are based on the
expected useful life of property or equipment.

(b) The Commission shall define, by [rule or] regulation, the types and
classes of charges that may not be changed, except as specified in [§ 19-219] § 19-222
of this subtitle.

(c) The Commission shall obtain from each facility its current rate schedule
and each later change in the schedule that the Commission requires.

(d) The Commission shall:

(1) Permit a nonprofit facility to charge reasonable rates that will permit
the facility to provide, on a solvent basis, effective and efficient service that is in the
public interest; and

(2) Permit a proprietary profit-making facility to charge reasonable

rates that:

(i) Will permit the facility to provide effective and efficient service
that is in the public interest; and