(a) The General Assembly finds that:
(1) One of the most serious and tragic problems facing the public health and welfare is the death of hundreds of people in this State each year from chronic kidney disease, when the present state of medical art and technology could return these individuals to a socially productive life;
(2) Advances and discoveries in the treatment of patients who have chronic kidney disease allow not mere survival, but rehabilitation to normal occupations and activities;
(3) Treatment for persons with kidney disease is very expensive and continues throughout a person’s life;
(4) Private insurance coverage for kidney disease treatment is difficult to obtain; and
(5) Individuals who receive State benefits for kidney disease treatment should be responsible for bearing some of the cost of that care taking into account their ability to pay.
(b) (1) This State recognizes its responsibilities:
(i) To allow its citizens to keep their health without being made paupers; and
(ii) To use its resources and organization to aid in gathering and giving out information on the treatment of chronic kidney disease.
(2) The General Assembly seeks to meet these responsibilities by making the treatment of chronic kidney disease easily available through the education, treatment, and reimbursement programs under this subtitle, thus, lowering the cost of this treatment.
Structure Maryland Statutes
Title 13 - Miscellaneous Health Care Programs
Subtitle 3 - Kidney Disease Program
Section 13-301 - Program Established
Section 13-303 - Findings; Responsibilities of State
Section 13-304 - Commission Established
Section 13-305 - Commission -- Membership
Section 13-306 - Commission -- Quorum; Meetings; Compensation; Staff
Section 13-307 - Commission -- Miscellaneous Powers and Duties
Section 13-308 - Rules, Regulations, and Standards
Section 13-309 - Duties of Secretary
Section 13-310 - Certification of Centers
Section 13-310.1 - Kidney Disease Fund
Section 13-311 - Certification of Eligibility
Section 13-312 - Application for Financial Assistance
Section 13-314 - Cost of Treatment -- Payments by State