The bill amends the Medicaid Provider-Led Organized Care Act to clarify the marketing practices of providers within risk-based provider organizations. It introduces a new section, 20-77-2709, which establishes the legislative intent to ensure that potential and actual enrollees are informed about whether a direct service provider is in-network with a specific risk-based provider organization and the implications of choosing a provider that is not participating in the network. The bill specifies that it is not a marketing violation for providers to communicate their network status to enrollees and outlines that the Department of Human Services or risk-based organizations cannot impose restrictions on how providers discuss network status and open enrollment, provided that the information shared is accurate and not misleading.

Additionally, the bill includes an emergency clause, highlighting the urgency of addressing the confusion surrounding provider communications about network status, which affects Medicaid beneficiaries' ability to make informed decisions regarding their care. The act is deemed immediately necessary for the preservation of public health and safety, and it will take effect upon approval by the Governor or under specified conditions if not acted upon.