ROBERT L. EHRLICH, JR., Governor                           H.B. 553

19-14A-06. 19-14A-04.

THE DEPARTMENT MAY ADOPT RULES AND REGULATIONS TO CARRY OUT THE
PROVISIONS OF THIS SUBTITLE.

SECTION 2. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That:

(a) on or before December 1, 2003, the The Department of Health and Mental
Hygiene and the Department of Human Resources shall conduct a study of the
Medical Assistance Program eligibility determination process submit a report to the
Governor and, in accordance with § 2-1246 of the State Government Article, to the
Senate Finance Committee and the House Health and Government Operations
Committee on the status of measures implemented and considered by the
Department of Health and Mental Hygiene and the Department of Human Resources
to address and resolve issues relating to delays in the Medicaid eligibility process for
nursing home residents.

(b) The study shall:

(1) describe the Medical Assistance Program eligibility determination
process and subsequent changes in Medical Assistance Program enrollee status for
nursing home residents;

(2) calculate the average time period for determining changes in the
financial and eligibility status of nursing home residents; and

(3)     identify any barriers or delays in:

(i) the processing of Medical Assistance Program eligibility
determination; and

(ii) the communication of subsequent changes in Medical
Assistance Program enrollee status to a nursing home.

(e) On or before October 1, 2003, the Department of Health and Mental
Hygiene and the Department of Human Resources shall submit a report to the
Governor and, in accordance with § 2-1246 of the State Government Article, to the
Senate Finance Committee and the House Health and Government Operations
Committee on the results of the study.

(d) The report shall include recommendations for:

(1)     addressing any identified barriers or delays;

(2) streamlining the eligibility determination process for nursing home
residents; and

(3) improving communication between the Department of Health and
Mental Hygiene, the Department of Human Resources, and nursing homes regarding
the eligibility of nursing home residents under the Medical Assistance Program and
any changes in eligibility status.

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