COMAR 10.09.14.09. Cause for Suspension or Removal and Imposition of Sanctions

A. If the Department determines that a provider, ophthalmologist, optometrist, optician, any agent or employee of the provider, or any person with an ownership interest in the provider has failed to comply with applicable federal or State laws or regulations, the Department may initiate one or more of the following actions against the responsible party:

(1) Suspension from Program;

(2) Withholding of payment by the Program;

(3) Removal from the Program;

(4) Disqualification from future participation in the Program, either as a provider or as a person providing services for which Program payment will be claimed.

B. If the Secretary of Health and Human Services suspends or removes a provider from participation in Medicare, the Department will take similar action.

C. The Department will give the provider reasonable written notice of its intention to impose sanctions. In the notice, the Department will establish the effective date and the reasons for the proposed action, and advise the provider of the right to appeal.

D. A provider who voluntarily withdraws from the Program or is removed or suspended from the Program according to this regulation shall notify recipients that he no longer honors Medical Assistance cards before he renders additional services.