SB 1447 - Schroer, Nick
Enacts provisions relating to health care provider participation in health insurance plans
Bill Details
Sponsor
LR Number
5951S.01I
Title
SB 1447
House Handler
N/A
Journal Page
Effective Date
August 28, 2026
Committee
Current Status
Second Read and Referred S Insurance and Banking Committee
Quick Links
Amendments
No amendments available
CURRENT BILL SUMMARY
SB 1447 - This act creates the "Patients First Act", which directs the Department of Commerce and Insurance to implement and enforce certain provisions of the federal Public Health Service Act. Insurers shall not discriminate with respect to participation under the plan or coverage against any health care provider who is acting within the scope of that provider's license or certification under state law.
Health benefit plans shall not discriminate against health care providers based on the providers' licensure with respect to reimbursement or participation in any plan or insurance program. All health care providers shall be reimbursed at the same rate for the same service as long as the service is within the provider's scope of practice.
The act shall not be construed as preventing a group health plan or a health insurance issuer from establishing varying reimbursement rates based on quality or performance measures.
Nothing in this act shall apply to licensed physicians.
This act is identical to HB 1894 (2026), substantially similar to SB 499 (2025), and similar to HCS/HB 530 (2025), HB 309 (2025), HB 2733 (2024), SB 558 (2023), and HB 935 (2023).
TAYLOR MIDDLETON