Brief Description: Modifying health care provider contract requirements.

Sponsors: Representatives Cody, Curtis, Morrell, Campbell, Green, Clibborn, Kessler, Serben, Rodne, Roach, Moeller, Buri, Pearson, McCune, Appleton, Kenney, Hasegawa and Dunn.

Hearing Date: 1/31/06

Staff: Dave Knutson (786-7146).

Background:

Health carriers may attempt to exclude certain classes of health care providers by adopting health care network selection and credentialing standards that restrict selection credentialing of clinics of only a certain class of provider.

Summary of Bill:

Organizations that contract for the establishment of provider networks are prohibited from discriminating against classes of health care practitioners through the adoption of health care network selection and credentialing standards that permit the selection and credentialing or only one or certain classes of practitioners.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.