This bill mandates that health carriers process credentialing applications for mental health providers within 30 days of receiving a complete application. It also stipulates that health carriers must retroactively cover health care services and treatments as in-network from the date the credentialing application is submitted. The bill amends existing law by inserting provisions that require the credentialing process to be finalized within 30 calendar days for both primary care physicians and mental health providers, while specialists will have a 45-day timeline. The definition of a "clean and complete" application is also clarified to include all necessary information and satisfactory explanations for any affirmative responses regarding quality and clinical competence.

Additionally, the bill introduces a new paragraph that explicitly requires health carriers to cover services retroactively from the date of application submission. The fiscal impact of this legislation is noted as indeterminable, with potential increases in claims costs and administrative expenses for health insurers, which could lead to higher insurance premiums. The overall financial implications for local and county governments that purchase health insurance are also considered indeterminable, as the bill may improve access to mental health services but could also incur additional costs for compliance and staffing.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 420-J:4