Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)

Document that informs industrial purchasers and users of hazardous chemicals of the reasonably foreseeable physical and chemical hazards that may arise from the use of those chemicals. Most materials packaged for consumer use are exempt from the requirements of the Hazard Communication Standard (HCS). The MSDS should include precautions for normal use, handling, storage, disposal, and spill cleanup. The HCS requires that accurate information be provided on the MSDSs. This applies as much to “overwarning” on the MSDS and label, as well as the absence of information (“underwarning”).

Mature minor

Individual (mid- to late-teen) considered mature enough to understand a physician’s recommendations for treatment and give his or her informed consent. Also see minor and emancipated minor .

Maturity factor

Dollar amount sum (factor) to annualize insurance claims where less than 1 year’s experience is obtainable. For example, if only 10 months of claims exist, the total dollar amount is multiplied by a maturity factor of 1.2 to obtain a 1-year claim amount (10 × 1.2 = 12).

Maximum allowable

Sum set by an insurance company as the greatest amount that it will pay for a specific medical benefit or procedure. Third-party actual payment may be less than the maximum allowable because of the insured’s deductible and coinsurance. Also called maximum allowable charge, maximum allowable amount, allowed amount , or approved amount .