Well, it's sort of a long story so I'll leave a lot out but if you want to know more, you can Google " HSCRC and Facility Fee"

Maryland is special when it comes to rates charged by hospitals. I believe it's the only state that has their own Cost Review Commission (HSCRC). The HSCRC is a state agency that basically sets cost ranges for healthcare services. They actually set the rates hospitals can charge for the facility fees.

Anyway, two of the goals of the HSCRC is price transparency and lowering costs (and they do a pretty good job). The bill basically says hospitals can charge the facility fee, but it needs to be transparent (they have to tell you about it) and the bill also says the patient can request a written estimate of charges at any time before or during their visit.