This chapter applies to the collection of health care data, by the Maryland Health Care Commission, from health care practitioners in the State. In this chapter, the following terms have the meanings indicated. Terms Defined. “Health care” means any care treatment, or procedure by a healthcare practitioner: To diagnose, evaluate, rehabilitate, manage, treat, or maintain the physical or mental condition of a patient; or That affects the structure or any function of the human body. “Health care practitioner” means an individual who is licensed or certified under the Health Occupations Article to provide health care in the State. The Commission may collect the following data from a health care practitioner: Data that indicate the nature of the health care practice in which the health care practitioner is engaged; Data that indicate whether the health care practitioner is actively engaged in the practice of health care; Data that indicate whether the health care practitioner is currently engaged in direct patient care in the State; Data that indicate the health care practitioner's primary language, race, and ethnicity; Data that describe the health care practitioner's areas of specialty, including: Specialty qualifications or training; Specialty certification, licensure, or status; and Current areas of concentration; Data that identify the number and location of a health care practitioner's practice locations; Data that indicate whether the health care practitioner provides primary or preventive care services, or both, in Maryland; Data that indicate the nature and extent of the practitioner's use of information technology in the diagnosis and treatment of patients; Data that indicate whether the health care practitioner accepts or treats patients who are covered by Maryland Medical Assistance or Medicare; and Data that indicate whether the health care practitioner provides care to low-income patients and, if so, the nature of the compensation received for that care. Information collected by the Commission that is required by law to be held confidential may not be disclosed by the Commission to other persons or entities. Health-General Article, §19-133(b) and (d)(1), Annotated Code of Maryland Effective date: November 17, 2008 (35:23 Md. R. 2013)