Raised Bill No. 5464 is a legislative proposal aimed at making technical revisions to insurance-related statutes, particularly in the context of health insurance policies. The bill proposes to update terminology, replacing "Certified nurse practitioner" with "Advanced practice registered nurse" and "Certified psychiatric-mental health clinical nurse specialist" with "Certified psychiatric-mental health advanced practice registered nurse." It also ensures that services provided by advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) and physician assistants are covered and reimbursed under group health insurance policies, provided they are within the scope of the professionals' competence and licensure or certification. The bill prohibits insurers from requiring a signature, referral, or employment by another health care provider as a condition for reimbursement. Furthermore, the bill outlines the process for setting annual health care cost growth benchmarks and primary care spending targets, which includes public hearings and the possibility of adjustments based on economic factors and previous reports. The executive director must review the rate of inflation annually and publish findings, benchmarks, and targets on the office's website, with a requirement for General Assembly review if there is a significant change in the benchmarks.

Additionally, the bill mandates the development of annual health care quality benchmarks, which will be reviewed every five years starting July 1, 2025, and will focus on various aspects of health care quality. The executive director is tasked with holding public hearings before adopting these benchmarks and has the authority to modify them if necessary. The bill also expands the coverage requirements for individual health insurance policies to include a comprehensive list of benefits for the diagnosis and treatment of mental or nervous conditions. Technical language revisions include standardizing the term "health care" and specifying the use of an "Internet" website for the Office of the Healthcare Advocate's consumer information site. The bill's changes will take effect upon passage, amending sections 38a-526, 19a-754g(b), 38a-488a(b), and 38a-1041(f).

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