ROBERT L. EHRLICH, JR., Governor                            Ch. 386

(5)     Encourage the development of clinical resource management systems
to permit the comparison of costs between various treatment settings and the
availability of information to consumers, providers, and purchasers of health care
services;

(6)     In accordance with Title 15, Subtitle 12 of the Insurance Article,
develop[:

(i) A] A uniform set of effective benefits to be included in the
Comprehensive Standard Health Benefit Plan[; and

(ii) A modified health benefit plan for medical savings accounts];

(7)     Analyze the medical care data base and provide, in aggregate form,
an annual report on the variations in costs associated with health care practitioners;

(8)     Ensure utilization of the medical care data base as a primary means
to compile data and information and annually report on trends and variances
regarding fees for service, cost of care, regional and national comparisons, and
indications of malpractice situations;

(9)     Establish standards for the operation and licensing of medical care
electronic claims clearinghouses in Maryland;

(10)   Reduce the costs of claims submission and the administration of
claims for health care practitioners and payors;

(11)   Determine the cost of mandated health insurance services in the
State in accordance with Title 15, Subtitle 15 of the Insurance Article;

(12)   Promote the availability of information to consumers on charges by
practitioners and reimbursements from payors; and

(13)   Oversee and administer the Maryland Trauma Physician Services
Fund in conjunction with the Health Services Cost Review Commission.

Article - Insurance

15-1207.

(a) In accordance with Title 19, Subtitle 1 of the Health - General Article, the
Commission shall adopt regulations that specify[:

(1)] the Comprehensive Standard Health Benefit Plan to apply under this
subtitle[; and

(2) a modified health benefit plan for medical savings accounts that
qualify under the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996,
including:

(i) a waiver of deductibles as permitted under federal law;

(ii) minimum funding standards for medical savings accounts; and

(iii) authorization for offering the modified plan only by those

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