Section 19-730 - Penalties - Violation of § 19-729 of this subtitle. - Maryland Statutes

§ 19-730. Penalties - Violation of § 19-729 of this subtitle.
 

(a)  In general.- If any person violates any provision of § 19-729 of this subtitle, the Commissioner may: 

(1) Issue an administrative order that requires the health maintenance organization to: 

(i) Cease inappropriate conduct or practices by it or any of the personnel employed or associated with it; 

(ii) Fulfill its contractual obligations; 

(iii) Provide a service that has been denied improperly; 

(iv) Take appropriate steps to restore its ability to provide a service that is provided under a contract; 

(v) Cease the enrollment of any additional enrollees except newborn children or other newly acquired dependents of existing enrollees; or 

(vi) Cease any advertising or solicitation; 

(2) In addition to suspending or revoking a certificate of authority: 

(i) Impose a penalty of not less than $100, but not more than $125,000 for each violation; and 

(ii) Order the health maintenance organization to pay restitution to any person who has suffered financial injury because of the violation; 

(3) Suspend, revoke, or refuse to renew the certificate of authority to do business as a health maintenance organization; 

(4) Suspend, revoke, or refuse to renew the certificate of a medical director of a health maintenance organization; or 

(5) Apply to any court for legal or equitable relief considered appropriate by the Commissioner or the Department, in accordance with the joint internal procedures. 

(b)  Notice.- If the Commissioner issues an order or imposes any penalty under this section, the Commissioner immediately shall provide written notice of the order or penalty to the Secretary. 
 

[An. Code 1957, art. 43, § 850; 1982, ch. 21, § 2; 1986, ch. 816; 1998, ch. 111, § 2; ch. 112, § 2; chs. 605, 606; 1999, chs. 71, 697; 2000, ch. 323, § 2; 2001, ch. 29, § 1.]