(a)      (1)      This subsection applies even if a paper or instrument is not:

                  (i)      Executed by the Secretary or a deputy, employee, or attorney of record of the Secretary; and

                  (ii)      Connected with the commencement of an action or proceeding by or against the Secretary or with the subsequent conduct of the action or proceeding.

            (2)      Subject to subsection (b) of this section, the Secretary may not be required to pay to a public officer in the State a fee for filing, recording, or issuing a transcript or certificate or for authenticating a paper or instrument that relates to the exercise by the Secretary of a power or duty of the Secretary under this subtitle.

      (b)      (1)      The Secretary or deputy secretary, when acting as receiver or ancillary receiver under this subtitle, shall pay all court costs out of the assets of the continuing care provider before any distribution to creditors or termination of rehabilitation.

            (2)      In all cases, court costs and those specified in subsection (a) of this section shall:

                  (i)      Be charged in the accounts of the Secretary to the court; or

                  (ii)      Be paid by the continuing care provider as a condition of termination of the action or proceeding.