1. A. For the purpose of enforcing Health Occupations Article, §1-301 et seq., Annotated Code of Maryland, the following terms have the meanings indicated.

2. B. Terms Defined.

   1. (1) “Group practice” has the meaning stated in Health Occupations Article, §1-301, Annotated Code of Maryland.

   2. (2) Health Care Service.

      1. (a) “Health care service” has the meaning stated in Health Occupations Article, §1-301, Annotated Code of Maryland.

      2. (b) “Health care service” includes but is not limited to:

         1. (i) Supplies;
         2. (ii) Drugs; and
         3. (iii) Items furnished to a patient by a health care entity..

   3. (3) “Members of the group” means health care practitioners:

      1. (a) With an ownership interest in the group practice; or
      2. (b) Who are full-time or part-time contractors or employees during the time they furnish services to patients of the group practice that are furnished through the group and are billed in the name of the group.

   4. (4) “Patient care services” means the total patient care time spent on any task performed by a group practice member that addresses the medical needs of specific patients, regardless of whether they involve direct patient encounters, and including but not limited to time spent:

      1. (a) By a member of the group in consultation with other health care practitioners, whether or not they are members of the group; and
      2. (b) Reviewing laboratory tests, as well as the services of other health care practitioners who do not directly treat patients.
   5. (5) “Personally supervised” means the responsibility of a health care practitioner to exercise on-site supervision or immediately available direction for employees performing referred in-office ancillary services or tests.
   6. (6) “Referring health care practitioner” means a health care practitioner, or group practice, who makes a referral.
   7. (7) “Rental or lease of office space” means payments made for the rental or lease of utilities, use of equipment, and secretarial and support staff.

Authority: Health-General Article, §2-104(b); Health Occupations Article, §1-301 et seq., Annotated Code of Maryland

Effective date: June 25, 2001 (28:12 Md. R. 1106)

Regulation .02B amended effective March 30, 2026 (53:6 Md. R. 290)

Regulation .03B amended effective March 30, 2026 (53:6 Md. R. 290)

Regulation .05 amended effective March 30, 2026 (53:6 Md. R. 290)

Regulation .06 amended effective March 30, 2026 (53:6 Md. R. 290)

Regulation .07 amended effective March 30, 2026 (53:6 Md. R. 290)