<?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>
<regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".05" citation="COMAR 10.45.05.05" title_num="10" subtitle_num="45" chapter_num="05" heading="Sliding Scale Fee Schedule Guidelines.">
  <paragraph num="A.">
    <text>Applicability. The Commission shall apply the sliding scale fee schedule criteria set forth in §B of this regulation to determine whether:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>An applicant meets the sliding scale fee schedule criterion to qualify as a community health resource under Regulation .02A(2) or .03A(3) of this chapter; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>An application submitted by a community health resource addresses the selection criterion specified in COMAR 10.45.07.01I.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="B.">
    <text>A community health resource shall offer primary health care services or access services to individuals whose annual family income is:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Below 100 percent of the federal poverty guidelines:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>Free of charge; or</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>For no more than a nominal fee; or</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>At least 100 percent of the federal poverty guidelines but less than 200 percent of the federal poverty guidelines:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>Free of charge; or</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>At a reduced price.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="C.">
    <text>A community health resource qualifying under Regulation .02 or .03 of this chapter may not require individuals with annual family income of less than 200 percent of the federal poverty guidelines to pay any charges for primary health care services or access services in addition to those specified in §B(1) or (2) of this regulation, as applicable.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="D.">
    <text>Notice and Documentation. At each of its care sites in the State, a community health resource qualifying under Regulation .02 or .03 of this chapter shall:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Provide notice to the public of its sliding scale fee schedule, including the display of a prominently posted sign indicating that free or reduced-price care is available; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Collect documentation of income from individuals applying for reduced-price care pursuant to the community health resource's sliding scale fee schedule.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
</regulation>