Ch. 338                                    2003 LAWS OF MARYLAND

circumstances; and generally relating to required reimbursement for services of
professional counselors and therapists under health insurance.

BY repealing

Article — Insurance

Section 15-704

Annotated Code of Maryland

(2002 Replacement Volume and 2002 Supplement)

BY adding to

Article - Insurance

Section 15-704

Annotated Code of Maryland

(2002 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 - Insurance

[15-704.

Notwithstanding § 15-701(a) of this subtitle, unless a policy, contract, or
certificate described in § 15-701(a) of this subtitle expressly provides for
reimbursement for a service that is within the lawful scope of practice of a
professional counselor or professional counselor-marriage and family therapist
certified under the Health Occupations Article, the provisions of the Health
Occupations Article that govern the certification and regulation of professional
counselors and professional counselor-marriage and family therapists may not be
construed to entitle the insured or any other person covered by the policy, contract, or
certificate to reimbursement for the service.]

15-704.

(A)     THIS SECTION APPLIES TO EACH INDIVIDUAL, GROUP, OR BLANKET
HEALTH INSURANCE POLICY, CONTRACT, OR CERTIFICATE OF AN INSURER OR
NONPROFIT HEALTH SERVICE PLAN THAT:

(1)      (I) IS DELIVERED OR ISSUED FOR DELIVERY IN THE STATE;

(II)     IS ISSUED TO A GROUP THAT IS INCORPORATED OR HAS A MAIN
OFFICE IN THE STATE; OR

(III)    COVERS INDIVIDUALS WHO RESIDE OR WORK IN THE STATE;
AND

(2)      IS ISSUED, RENEWED, AMENDED, OR REISSUED ON OR AFTER
OCTOBER 1, 2003.

(B)     IF A POLICY, CONTRACT, OR CERTIFICATE SUBJECT TO THIS SECTION
PROVIDES FOR REIMBURSEMENT FOR A SERVICE THAT IS WITHIN THE LAWFUL

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