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

(1)    Adopt rules and regulations to carry out the provisions of this subtitle;

(2)    Create committees from among its members;

(3)    Appoint advisory committees, which shall include consumers and may include representatives of interested public or private organizations, to make recommendations to the Commission on community–based services, long–term care, acute patient services, ambulatory surgical services, specialized health care services, residential treatment centers for emotionally disturbed children and adolescents, mental health and alcohol and drug abuse services, and any other topic or issue that the Commission considers necessary;

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

(5)    Subject to subsection (d) of this section, award any funds received from any person or government agency;

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

(7)    Publish and give out any information that relates to the financial aspects of health care and is considered desirable in the public interest; and

(8)    Subject to the limitations of this subtitle, exercise any other power that is reasonably necessary to carry out the purposes of this subtitle, including adopting regulations that set reasonable deadlines for filing of information or reports required under this subtitle and impose reasonable penalties for failure to file information or reports as required.

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

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

(2)    Keep minutes of each meeting;

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

(4)    Beginning December 1, 2000, and each December 1 thereafter, submit to the Governor, the Secretary, and, subject to § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, the General Assembly an annual report on the operations and activities of the Commission during the preceding fiscal year, including:

(i)    A copy of each summary, compilation, and supplementary report required by this subtitle; and

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

(5)    Except for confidential or privileged medical or patient information, make:

(i)    Each report filed and each summary, compilation, and report required under this subtitle available for public inspection at the office of the Commission during regular business hours; and

(ii)    Each summary, compilation, and report available to any other State agency on request.

(c)    (1)    The Commission may contract with a qualified, independent third party for any service necessary to carry out the powers and duties of the Commission.

(2)    Unless permission is granted specifically by the Commission, a third party hired by the Commission may not release, publish, or otherwise use any information to which the third party has access under its contract.

(d)    (1)    In awarding funds under subsection (a)(5) of this section, the Commission shall:

(i)    Use a competitive process that affords interested persons an opportunity to submit a proposal for funding; and

(ii)    Evaluate proposals for funding using a panel that consists of internal and external evaluators.

(2)    The Commission shall:

(i)    Provide on its website information that is easily accessible to the general public about funds to be awarded under subsection (a)(5) of this section and how to submit a proposal; and

(ii)    Submit, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, an annual report to the General Assembly listing all funds awarded under subsection (a)(5) of this section.