(a)    (1)    In addition to the powers set forth elsewhere in this subtitle, the EMS Board may:

(i)    Subject to the limitations set forth in § 13-509 of this subtitle, adopt regulations to carry out the provisions of this subtitle;

(ii)    Create committees from among its members;

(iii)    Appoint advisory committees, which may include individuals and representatives of interested public or private organizations;

(iv)    Apply for and accept any funds, property, or services from any person or government agency;

(v)    Make agreements with a grantor or payor of funds, property, or services, including an agreement to make any study, plan, demonstration, or project;

(vi)    Except for confidential medical information, publish and give out any information that relates to the delivery of emergency medical services and is considered desirable in the public interest;

(vii)    Hold public hearings; and

(viii)    Set and charge reasonable fees to be paid by the applicants for the designation of trauma and specialty referral centers.

(2)    (i)    The fees charged under paragraph (1)(viii) of this subsection shall be set in a manner that will produce funds sufficient to cover the actual documented direct costs of maintaining the designation program.

(ii)    1.    The EMS Board shall pay all fees collected under this subsection into the EMS Trauma and Specialty Referral Centers Designation Fund.

2.    The Fund shall be used exclusively to cover the actual documented direct costs of designating EMS trauma and specialty referral centers.

3.    The Fund is a continuing, nonlapsing fund, not subject to § 7-302 of the State Finance and Procurement Article.

(b)    In addition to the duties set forth elsewhere in this subtitle, the EMS Board shall:

(1)    Adopt regulations that relate to its meetings, minutes, and transactions;

(2)    Beginning with fiscal year 1996:

(i)    Prepare annually a budget proposal that includes the estimated income of the Institute and proposed expenses for its administration and operation; and

(ii)    Review and approve that portion of the proposed budgets derived from the Maryland Emergency Medical System Operations Fund for the:

1.    Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems;

2.    R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center;

3.    Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute; and

4.    Aviation Division of the Special Operations Bureau, Department of State Police;

(3)    Periodically participate in or do analyses and studies that relate to emergency medical services;

(4)    On or before October 1 of each year, submit to the Governor and, subject to § 2-1246 of the State Government Article, to the General Assembly an annual report on the operations and activities of the EMS Board and the Institute during the preceding fiscal year, including:

(i)    A report on the patients referred or transported to designated emergency medical facilities, including areawide trauma centers, the R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center, and specialty referral centers, in accordance with the emergency medical protocols adopted by the EMS Board; and

(ii)    Any fact, suggestion, or policy recommendation that the EMS Board considers necessary; and

(5)    Work with the Charles McC. Mathias, Jr. National Study Center for Trauma and Emergency Medical Systems to coordinate a plan for research and other academic activities related to emergency medical services issues.

(c)    The provisions of subsection (b)(2) of this section may not be construed to affect the Governor’s powers with respect to a request for an appropriation in the budget bill.