This bill introduces a new section to chapter 43-28 of the North Dakota Century Code, allowing dental providers to engage in voluntary non-fee-related joint negotiations with dental insurers. Before initiating these negotiations, a joint negotiation representative must notify the attorney general in writing, detailing the matters to be negotiated, the identities of the participating dental providers and insurers, and the reasons for the negotiations. The attorney general will review the notice to ensure compliance with legal and public policy standards and will notify the parties within ninety days if the negotiations are authorized.

Once authorized, dental providers can negotiate various non-fee-related matters, such as clinical practice guidelines and quality assurance programs, while ensuring that the negotiations do not lead to anticompetitive effects or harm to consumers. The attorney general will also review any proposed agreements reached during negotiations to ensure fairness and compliance with applicable laws. The bill explicitly states that it does not apply to dental benefit plans for individuals eligible for medical assistance and does not permit coordinated reductions in dental services.

Statutes affected:
Prepared by the Legislative Council staff for Senator Castaneda: 54-57-07
FIRST ENGROSSMENT: 54-57-07