- Introduced -

SB 651 - This act requires a health carrier to allow any health care provider to participate in its network if that person satisfies all of the selection standards. This act will be known as the Patient Freedom of Choice Act of 2002.

Currently, Section 354.606, RSMo, deals with contracts between health carriers (currently defined as HMOs) and health care professionals (currently defined as physicians or other health care practitioners who provide specific health services). New language provides that health carriers may not develop selection criteria in such a way that it will deny a health care professional the opportunity to become a participating provider if that professional meets all of the selection criteria and is willing to abide by all other terms and conditions. Current language also contains a provision that health carriers do not, however, need to hire more providers than necessary to maintain an adequate network.

ERIN MOTLEY