Bill > SB832

This bill requires certain nonprofit hospitals, excluding those in counties with fewer than 50,000 people, to annually provide community benefits equivalent to at least 100% of their tax-exempt benefits or 5% of their net patient revenue if they provide at least 4% of their net patient revenue in charity care, which is free or reduced-cost care. The Health Services Cost Review Commission (Commission) will receive detailed reports from hospitals on their community benefit spending, including costs for charity care and government-sponsored indigent care (unreimbursed costs for providing care to recipients of government programs like Maryland Medical Assistance). The Commission must then report annually to the Attorney General and the Comptroller on which hospitals have failed to meet these requirements. If a hospital is found to be non-compliant, the Comptroller can revoke its tax-exempt status for the following year, though hospitals have one opportunity to correct unintentional miscalculations and provide the required benefits. The bill also updates the requirements for community benefit reports, mandating more detailed information and consultation with community members.