Md. Code Regs. 10.01.15.02

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 22, November 1, 2024

Section 10.01.15.02 - Definitions-Applicable to Health Occupations Article, Section1-301 et seq., Annotated Code of Maryland

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

B. Terms Defined.

(1) "Group practice" means a group of two or more health care practitioners legally organized as a partnership, professional corporation, limited liability company, foundation, not-for-profit corporation, faculty practice plan, or similar association:

(a) In which each health care practitioner who is a member of the group as defined in this chapter provides substantially the full range of services which the practitioner routinely provides through the joint use of shared office space, facilities, equipment, and personnel;

(b) For which substantially all, that is, at least 75 percent, of the patient care services of all of the health care practitioners who are members of the group are provided through the group and are billed under a billing number assigned to the group and amounts so received are treated as receipts of the group; and

(c) In which the overhead expenses of and the income from the practice are distributed in accordance with methods previously determined on an annual basis by members of the group.

(2) "Health care service" means medical procedures, tests, and services provided to a patient by or through a health care entity, including supplies, drugs, and items furnished to a patient by a health care entity.

(3) "Members of the group" means health care practitioners:

(a) With an ownership interest in the group practice; or

(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) "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:

(a) By a member of the group in consultation with other health care practitioners, whether or not they are members of the group; and

(b) Reviewing laboratory tests, as well as the services of other health care practitioners who do not directly treat patients.

(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) "Referring health care practitioner" means a health care practitioner, or group practice, who makes a referral.

(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.

Md. Code Regs. 10.01.15.02