<?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>
<regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".05" citation="COMAR 31.10.45.05" title_num="31" subtitle_num="10" chapter_num="45" heading="Waiver Request Standards.">
  <paragraph num="A.">
    <text>A carrier may apply for a dental network adequacy waiver, for up to 1 year, of a dental network adequacy requirement listed in this chapter.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="B.">
    <text>The Commissioner may find good cause to grant the dental network adequacy waiver request only if the carrier demonstrates that the providers necessary for an adequate network:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Are not available to contract with the carrier;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Are not available in sufficient numbers;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>Have refused to contract with the carrier; or</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(4)">
      <text>Are unable to reach agreement with the carrier.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="C.">
    <text>A carrier seeking a dental network adequacy waiver shall submit a written request to the Commissioner that includes the following information:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>A description of any waiver previously granted by the Commissioner;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>A list of providers within the relevant service area that the carrier attempted to contract with, identified by name and specialty, if any, or facility type;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>A description of how and when the carrier last contacted the providers;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(4)">
      <text>A description of any reason each provider gave for refusing to contract with the carrier;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(5)">
      <text>Steps the carrier will take to attempt to improve its network to avoid future dental network adequacy waiver requests;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(6)">
      <text>If applicable, a statement that there are no providers available within the relevant service area for a covered service or services for which the carrier requests the waiver; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(7)">
      <text>An attestation to the accuracy of the information contained in the dental network adequacy waiver request.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="D.">
    <text>A carrier submitting a dental network adequacy waiver request may submit a written request to the Commissioner that specific information included in the plan or request not be disclosed under the Public Information Act and shall:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Identify the particular information that the carrier requests not be disclosed; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Cite the statutory authority that permits denial of access to the information.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="E.">
    <text>The Commissioner may review a request made under §D of this regulation upon receipt of a request for access pursuant to the Public Information Act.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="F.">
    <text>The Commissioner may notify the carrier that made a request under §D of this regulation before granting access to information that was the subject of the request.</text>
  </paragraph>
</regulation>