Ch. 126                                    2003 LAWS OF MARYLAND

the termination of this Act under certain circumstances; and generally relating
to medical review committees.

BY repealing and reenacting, with amendments,
Article - Health Occupations
Section 1-401

Annotated Code of Maryland
(2000 Replacement Volume and 2002 Supplement)

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

Article - Health Occupations

1-401.

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

(2)     (i) "Alternative health care system" means a system of health care
delivery other than a hospital or related institution.

(ii) "Alternative health care system" includes:

1.       A health maintenance organization;

2.       A preferred provider organization;

3.       An independent practice association;

4.       A community health center that is a nonprofit,
freestanding ambulatory health care provider governed by a voluntary board of
directors and that provides primary health care services to the medically indigent;

5.       A freestanding ambulatory care facility as that term is
defined in § 19-3B-01 of the Health - General Article; or

6.       Any other health care delivery system that utilizes a
medical review committee.

(3)     "Medical review committee" means a committee or board that:

(i) Is within one of the categories described in subsection (b) of this
section; and

(ii) Performs functions that include at least one of the functions
listed in subsection (c) of this section.

(4)     (i) "Provider of health care" means any person who is licensed by
law to provide health care to individuals.

(ii) "Provider of health care" does not include any nursing
institution that is conducted by and for those who rely on treatment by spiritual
means through prayer alone in accordance with the tenets and practices of a
recognized church or religious denomination.

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