1. (a) In this section, “special pediatric hospital” has the meaning stated in § 15-101 of the Health--General Article.

2. (b) This section applies to:

   1. (1) insurers and nonprofit health service plans that provide hospital, medical, or surgical benefits to individuals or groups on an expense-incurred basis under health insurance policies or contracts that are issued or delivered in the State; and
   2. (2) health maintenance organizations that provide hospital, medical, or surgical benefits to individuals or groups under contracts that are issued or delivered in the State.
3. (c) An entity subject to this section may not require prior authorization for a transfer to a special pediatric hospital.

Added by Acts 2025, c. 612, § 1, eff. Jan. 1, 2026.