Sec. 843.304.  EXCLUSION OF PROVIDER BASED ON TYPE OF LICENSE PROHIBITED.  (a)  A provider licensed or otherwise authorized to practice in this state may not be denied the opportunity to participate in providing health care services that are delivered by a health maintenance organization and that are within the scope of the provider's license or authorization solely because of the type of license or authorization held by the provider.
(b)  If a hospital, facility, agency, or supplier is certified by the Medicare program, Title XVIII of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. Section 1395 et seq.), or accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations or another national accrediting body, a health maintenance organization shall accept that certification or accreditation.
(c)  This section does not require that a health maintenance organization:
(1)  use a particular type of provider in its operation;
(2)  accept each provider of a category or type, except as provided by Article 21.52B;  or
(3)  contract directly with providers of a particular category or type.
(d)  This section does not limit a health maintenance organization's authority to establish the terms under which health care services are provided by providers.
(e)  A provider must comply with the terms established by the health maintenance organization for the provision of health services and for designation as a provider by the health maintenance organization.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1419, Sec. 1, eff. June 1, 2003.