1. A. In this chapter, the following terms have the meanings indicated.

2. B. Terms Defined.

   1. (1) “Body mass index” has the meaning stated in Insurance Article, §15-839, Annotated Code of Maryland.
   2. (2) “Carrier” means an insurer, a nonprofit health service plan, or a health maintenance organization.
   3. (3) “Commissioner” means the Maryland Insurance Commissioner.
   4. (4) “Health maintenance organization” has the meaning stated in Health-General Article, §19-701, Annotated Code of Maryland.
   5. (5) “Insurer” has the meaning stated in Insurance Article, §1-101, Annotated Code of Maryland.

   6. (6) “Member” means an individual who is covered by a contract that:

      1. (a) Is issued or delivered by a carrier in the State; and
      2. (b) Includes a benefit for the surgical treatment of morbid obesity.
   7. (7) “Morbid obesity” has the meaning stated in Insurance Article, §15-839, Annotated Code of Maryland.
   8. (8) “Nonprofit health service plan” means a person who has received a certificate of authority from the Commissioner to act as a nonprofit health service plan in the State.
   9. (9) “Private review agent” has the meaning stated in Insurance Article, §15-10B-01, Annotated Code of Maryland.
   10. (10) “Utilization review” has the meaning stated in Insurance Article, §15-10B-01, Annotated Code of Maryland.

Authority: Insurance Article, §§2-109(a)(1) and 15-893, Annotated Code of Maryland; Ch. 301, Acts of 2005

Effective date: April 10, 2006 (33:7 Md. R. 676)