H.B. 717                                                 VETOES

(E) (1) IN THIS SUBSECTION, "PROVIDER" MEANS A COMMUNITY-BASED
PROGRAM OR AN INDIVIDUAL HEALTH CARE PRACTITIONER PROVIDING
OUTPATIENT MENTAL HEALTH TREATMENT.

(2) FOR AN INDIVIDUAL WITH DUAL ELIGIBILITY, THE PROGRAM SHALL
REIMBURSE A PROVIDER THE ENTIRE AMOUNT OF THE PROGRAM FEE FOR
OUTPATIENT MENTAL HEALTH TREATMENT, INCLUDING ANY AMOUNT ORDINARILY
WITHHELD AS A PSYCHIATRIC EXCLUSION AND ANY COPAYMENT NOT COVERED
UNDER MEDICARE.

[(d)] (F) This section has no effect if its operation would cause this State to
lose any federal funds.

SECTION 2. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That it is the intent of the
General Assembly that the Mental Hygiene Administration shall fund the provisions
of this Act through existing resources by reprioritizing existing grant funds. The
Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, on or before June 15, August 1, 2003,
shall submit a plan for reprioritizing report demonstrating that existing grant funds
have been reprioritized to allow for the funding of the provisions of this Act to the
Governor and, subject to § 2-1246 of the State Government Article, to the Senate
Budget and Taxation Committee, the Senate Finance Committee, the House
Appropriations Committee, and the House Health and Government Operations
Committee, and the Committees shall have 45 days to review and comment on the

plan.

SECTION 2. 3. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That this Act shall take
effect July June July 1, 2003.

May 22, 2003

The Honorable Michael E. Busch
Speaker of the House
State House
Annapolis MD 21401

Dear Mr. Speaker:

In accordance with Article II, Section 17 of the Maryland Constitution, today I have
vetoed House Bill 717 - Insurance - Premium Finance Agreements.

This bill provides that a premium finance agreement, in addition to financing the
premium of a surplus lines insurance contract, may include specified premium
receipts taxes and fees charged by a surplus lines broker; and alters the manner in
which a finance charge is computed.

Senate Bill 167, which was passed by the General Assembly and signed by me,
accomplishes the same purpose. Therefore, it is not necessary for me to sign House
Bill 717.

Sincerely,

Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr.

Governor

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