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 anticipated benefits of the negotiations. The attorney general will review the notice to ensure compliance with legal standards and public policy, providing a determination within ninety days.

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 involve fee-related issues like payment amounts. The bill also outlines the attorney general's role in reviewing proposed contracts resulting from these negotiations, considering factors such as fairness, market power, and potential consumer benefits. Additionally, the bill specifies that it does not apply to dental benefit plans for individuals eligible for medical assistance and clarifies that it 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