Maryland § 19-705.5

§ 19-705.5.

    (a)    (1)    In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.

        (2)    (i)    “Inherited metabolic disease” means a disease caused by an inherited abnormality of body chemistry.

            (ii)    “Inherited metabolic disease” includes a disease for which the State screens newborn babies.

        (3)    (i)    “Low protein modified food product” means a food product that is:

                1.    Specially formulated to have less than 1 gram of protein per serving; and

                2.    Intended to be used under the direction of a physician for the dietary treatment of an inherited metabolic disease.

            (ii)    “Low protein modified food product” does not include a natural food that is naturally low in protein.

        (4)    “Medical food” means a food that is:

            (i)    Intended for the dietary treatment of a disease or condition for which nutritional requirements are established by medical evaluation; and

            (ii)    Formulated to be consumed or administered enterally under the direction of a physician.

    (b)    A health maintenance organization shall include as part of its benefit package of health care services to be provided to members and subscribers coverage for medical foods and low protein modified food products for the treatment of inherited metabolic diseases if the medical foods and low protein modified food products are:

        (1)    Prescribed as medically necessary for the therapeutic treatment of inherited metabolic diseases; and

        (2)    Administered under the direction of a physician.