1. (a)

   1. (1) In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.

   2. (2) “Third party payor” means any person that administers or provides reimbursement for hospital benefits on an expense incurred basis including:

      1. (i) A health maintenance organization issued a certificate of authority in accordance with Subtitle 7 of this title;
      2. (ii) A health insurer or nonprofit health service plan authorized to offer health insurance policies or contracts in this State in accordance with the Insurance Article; or
      3. (iii) A third party administrator registered under the Insurance Article.
   3. (3) “Uniform claims form” means the claim or billing form for reimbursement of hospital services adopted by the Insurance Commissioner under § 15-1003 of the Insurance Article.
2. (b) When submitting a claim or bill for reimbursement to a third party payor, a hospital shall use the uniform claims form.

3. (c) The uniform claims form submitted under this section:

   1. (1) Shall be properly completed; and
   2. (2) May be submitted by electronic transfer.
4. (d) The Secretary may impose a penalty not to exceed $500 on any hospital that violates the provisions of this section.

Added by Acts 1992, c. 613, § 1, eff. Oct. 1, 1992. Amended by Acts 1997, c. 70, § 4, eff. Oct. 1, 1997.