ROBERT L. EHRLICH, JR., Governor                             Ch. 252

Government Article, on the financial condition of the Board, including a review of the
impact of any legislation enacted in 2003 and a review of the impact of any
procedural, regulatory, or other changes implemented by the Board. If the Board
determines that legislation enacted in 2003 will not resolve the financial condition of
the Board, the report shall detail how the Board intends to:

(1) stabilize long term finances of the Board;

(2) achieve necessary fund balances; and

(3) fully meet the responsibilities and mission of the Board.

SECTION 7. 5. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That the State Board of
Physicians shall report to the Governor, the Senate Education, Health, and
Environmental Affairs Committee, and the House Health and Government
Operations Committee on or before January 1, 2004, in accordance with § 2-1246 of
the State Government Article, on investigative caseloads of Board investigators
including:

(1)     the optimal level of caseloads;

(2)     additional tools required to improve investigator productivity;

(3)     a fiscal estimate of the resources required to meet optimal caseload levels
and provide necessary tools to improve productivity; and

(4)     a detailed plan to address the expenditures identified in the fiscal
estimate.

SECTION 8. 6. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That on or before January
1, 2004, the State Board of Physicians and the Office of the Attorney General (OAG)
shall:

(1)     review all aspects of the Board investigative processes;

(2)     recommend a revised investigative process that will ensure in a consistent
manner that all cases transmitted to the OAG are fully investigated and developed to
the satisfaction of both the Board and the OAG so that cases can proceed with the
minimum of additional delay after transmittal; and

(3)     in accordance with § 2-1246 of the State Government Article, report to the
Governor, the Senate Education, Health, and Environmental Affairs Committee, and
the House Health and Government Operations Committee on the findings,
recommendations, and any legislative or regulatory changes necessary to implement
the recommended changes.

SECTION 9. 7. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That the State Board of
Physicians, in conducting an Exceptions Hearing a Case Resolution Conference as
provided in COMAR 10.33.02.03F 10.32.02.03C(7), shall provide an opportunity to
appear before the Board to both the licensee who has been charged and the individual
who has filed the complaint against the licensee giving rise to the charge and shall
adopt regulations to implement this section.

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