<?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>
<regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".09" citation="COMAR 10.02.01.09" title_num="10" subtitle_num="02" chapter_num="01" heading="Billing and Collection of Charges and Fees.">
  <paragraph num="A.">
    <text>Billings and collections for care rendered in State operated inpatient facilities shall be calculated by the Department in accordance with the following procedures:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>The Department shall conduct a financial investigation of a recipient of services or chargeable persons' ability-to-pay in accordance with the requirements of COMAR 10.04.02.03 and COMAR 10.04.02.04;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Based on the foregoing investigation, the Department shall prepare a Notice of Rate Establishment Form setting forth that portion of those charges for which the recipient of services or chargeable person shall be responsible;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>Upon receipt of the Notice of Rate Establishment, a recipient of services or chargeable person may, within 10 days, request the Division to conduct an informal review of the billing in accordance with COMAR 10.02.03.04, or may note an appeal from the billing in accordance with COMAR 10.02.03.05, or both.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="B.">
    <text>The Secretary may require each local health department and other provider to submit for approval or modification a plan for billing and collection of charges, fees, and insurance benefits.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="C.">
    <text>This plan shall set forth:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>The procedures to be followed in applying the ability-to-pay determination method and schedule;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>The methods to be used for collecting the charges, fees, and insurance benefits;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>The methods for receiving and accounting for all sums of money collected;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(4)">
      <text>The procedure to be followed in making a reasonable effort to collect unpaid amounts due; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(5)">
      <text>The procedure to write off unpaid amounts due, as appropriate.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
</regulation>