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Article 5.6. Point-of-service Health Care Service Plan Contracts of California Health And Safety Code >> Division 2. >> Chapter 2.2. >> Article 5.6.
For purpose of this article, the following definitions
shall apply:
(a) A "point-of-service plan contract" means any plan contract offered by a health care service plan whereby the health care service plan assumes financial risk for both "in-network coverage or services" and "out-of-network coverage or services." The term "point-of-service plan contract" shall not apply to a plan contract where the out-of-network coverage or service is underwritten by an insurance company admitted in this state or is provided by a self-insured employer and is offered in conjunction with in-network coverage or services provided pursuant to a health care service plan contract.
(b) "Out-of-network coverage or services" means health care services received either from (1) providers who are not employed by, under contract with, or otherwise affiliated with the health care service plan, except for health care services received from these providers in an emergency or when referred or authorized by the plan under procedures specifically reviewed and approved by the director or (2) providers who are employed by, under contract with, or otherwise affiliated with a health care service plan in instances when the "in-network coverage or services" requirements for care set forth in the health care service plan's approved evidence of coverage are not met.
(c) "In-network coverage or services" means all of the following:
(1) All the health care services provided or offered under the requirements of this chapter that are received from a provider employed by, under contract with, or otherwise affiliated with the health care service plan and in accordance with the procedures set forth in the plan's approved evidence of coverage.
(2) Health care services received from a provider not affiliated with the health care service plan when the plan arranges for the enrollee to receive services from that provider.
(3) Out-of-area emergency care provided in accordance with the procedures set by the health care service plan to be followed in securing these services.
(a) A "point-of-service plan contract" means any plan contract offered by a health care service plan whereby the health care service plan assumes financial risk for both "in-network coverage or services" and "out-of-network coverage or services." The term "point-of-service plan contract" shall not apply to a plan contract where the out-of-network coverage or service is underwritten by an insurance company admitted in this state or is provided by a self-insured employer and is offered in conjunction with in-network coverage or services provided pursuant to a health care service plan contract.
(b) "Out-of-network coverage or services" means health care services received either from (1) providers who are not employed by, under contract with, or otherwise affiliated with the health care service plan, except for health care services received from these providers in an emergency or when referred or authorized by the plan under procedures specifically reviewed and approved by the director or (2) providers who are employed by, under contract with, or otherwise affiliated with a health care service plan in instances when the "in-network coverage or services" requirements for care set forth in the health care service plan's approved evidence of coverage are not met.
(c) "In-network coverage or services" means all of the following:
(1) All the health care services provided or offered under the requirements of this chapter that are received from a provider employed by, under contract with, or otherwise affiliated with the health care service plan and in accordance with the procedures set forth in the plan's approved evidence of coverage.
(2) Health care services received from a provider not affiliated with the health care service plan when the plan arranges for the enrollee to receive services from that provider.
(3) Out-of-area emergency care provided in accordance with the procedures set by the health care service plan to be followed in securing these services.
A point-of-service plan contract, in which any risk for
out-of-network coverage or services is transferred from a health care
service plan through reinsurance, shall be subject to this article.
(a) Only a plan that has been licensed under this chapter
and in operation in this state for a period of five years or more, or
a plan licensed under this chapter and operating in this state for a
period of five or more years under a combination of (1) licensure
under this chapter and (2) pursuant to a certificate of authority
issued by the Department of Insurance may offer a point-of-service
contract. A specialized health care service plan shall not offer a
point-of-service plan contract unless this plan was formerly
registered under the Knox-Mills Health Plan Act (Article 2.5
(commencing with Section 12530) of Chapter 6 of Part 2 of Division 3
of Title 2 of the Government Code), as repealed by Chapter 941 of the
Statutes of 1975, and offered point-of-service plan contracts
previously approved by the director on July 1, 1976, and on September
1, 1993.
(b) A plan may offer a point-of-service plan contract only if the director has not found the plan to be in violation of any requirements, including administrative capacity, under this chapter or the rules adopted thereunder and the plan meets, at a minimum, the following financial criteria:
(1) The minimum financial criteria for a plan that maintains a minimum net worth of at least five million dollars ($5,000,000) shall be:
(A) (i) Initial tangible net equity so that the plan is not required to file monthly reports with the director as required by Section 1300.84.3(d)(1)(G) of Title 28 of the California Code of Regulations and then have and maintain adjusted tangible net equity to be determined pursuant to either of the following:
(I) In the case of a plan that is required to have and maintain a tangible net equity as required by Section 1300.76(a)(1) or (2) of Title 28 of the California Code of Regulations, multiply 130 percent times the sum resulting from the addition of the plan's tangible net equity required by Section 1300.76(a)(1) or (2) of Title 28 of the California Code of Regulations and the number that equals 10 percent of the plan's annualized health care expenditures for out-of-network services for point-of-service enrollees.
(II) In the case of a plan that is required to have and maintain a tangible net equity as required by Section 1300.76(a)(3) of Title 28 of the California Code of Regulations, recalculate the plan's tangible net equity under Section 1300.76(a)(3) of Title 28 of the California Code of Regulations excluding the plan's annualized health care expenditures for out-of-network services for point-of-service enrollees, add together the number resulting from this recalculation and the number that equals 10 percent of the plan's annualized health care expenditures for out-of-network services for point-of-service enrollees, and multiply this sum times 130 percent, provided that the product of this multiplication must exceed 130 percent of the tangible net equity required by Section 1300.76(a)(3) of Title 28 of the California Code of Regulations so that the plan is not required to file monthly reports to the director as required by Section 1300.84.3(d)(1)(G) of Title 28 of the California Code of Regulations.
(ii) The failure of a plan offering a point-of-service plan contract under this article to maintain adjusted tangible net equity as determined by this subdivision shall require the filing of monthly reports with the director pursuant to Section 1300.84.3(d) of Title 28 of the California Code of Regulations, in addition to any other requirements that may be imposed by the director on a plan under this article and chapter.
(iii) The calculation of tangible net equity under any report to be filed by a plan offering a point-of-service plan contract under this article and required of a plan pursuant to Section 1384, and the regulations adopted thereunder, shall be on the basis of adjusted tangible net equity as determined under this subdivision.
(B) Demonstrates adequate working capital, including (i) a current ratio (current assets divided by current liabilities) of at least 1:1, after excluding obligations of officers, directors, owners, or affiliates, or (ii) evidence that the plan is now meeting its obligations on a timely basis and has been doing so for at least the preceding two years. Short-term obligations of affiliates for goods or services arising in the normal course of business that are payable on the same terms as equivalent transactions with nonaffiliates shall not be excluded. For purposes of this subdivision, an obligation is considered short term if the repayment schedule is 30 days or fewer.
(C) Demonstrates a trend of positive earnings over the previous eight fiscal quarters.
(2) The minimum financial criteria for a plan that maintains a minimum net worth of at least one million five hundred thousand dollars ($1,500,000) but less than five million dollars ($5,000,000) shall be:
(A) (i) Initial tangible net equity so that the plan is not required to file monthly reports with the director as required by Section 1300.84.3(d)(1)(G) of Title 28 of the California Code of Regulations and then have and maintain adjusted tangible net equity to be determined pursuant to either of the following:
(I) In the case of a plan that is required to have and maintain a tangible net equity as required by Section 1300.76(a)(1) or (2) of Title 28 of the California Code of Regulations, multiply 130 percent times the sum resulting from the addition of the plan's tangible net equity required by Section 1300.76(a)(1) or (2) of Title 28 of the California Code of Regulations and the number that equals 10 percent of the plan's annualized health care expenditures for out-of-network services for point-of-service enrollees.
(II) In the case of a plan that is required to have and maintain a tangible net equity as required by Section 1300.76(a)(3) of Title 28 of the California Code of Regulations, recalculate the plan's tangible net equity under Section 1300.76(a)(3) excluding the plan's annualized health care expenditures for out-of-network services for point-of-service enrollees, add together the number resulting from this recalculation and the number that equals 10 percent of the plan' s annualized health care expenditures for out-of-network services for point-of-service enrollees, and multiply this sum times 130 percent, provided that the product of this multiplication must exceed 130 percent of the tangible net equity required by Section 1300.76(a)(3) of Title 28 of the California Code of Regulations so that the plan is not required to file monthly reports to the director as required by Section 1300.84.3(d)(1)(G) of Title 28 of the California Code of Regulations.
(ii) The failure of a plan offering a point-of-service plan contract under this article to maintain adjusted tangible net equity as determined by this subdivision shall require the filing of monthly reports with the director pursuant to Section 1300.84.3(d) of Title 28 of the California Code of Regulations, in addition to any other requirements that may be imposed by the director on a plan under this article and chapter.
(iii) The calculation of tangible net equity under any report to be filed by a plan offering a point-of-service plan contract under this article and required of a plan pursuant to Section 1384, and the regulations adopted thereunder, shall be on the basis of adjusted tangible net equity as determined under this subdivision.
(B) Demonstrates adequate working capital, including (i) a current ratio (current assets divided by current liabilities) of at least 1:1, after excluding obligations of officers, directors, owners, or affiliates or (ii) evidence that the plan is now meeting its obligations on a timely basis and has been doing so for at least the preceding two years. Short-term obligations of affiliates for goods or services arising in the normal course of business that are payable on the same terms as equivalent transactions with nonaffiliates shall not be excluded. For purposes of this subdivision, an obligation is considered short term if the repayment schedule is 30 days or fewer.
(C) Demonstrates a trend of positive earnings over the previous eight fiscal quarters.
(D) Demonstrates to the director that it has obtained insurance for the cost of providing any point-of-service enrollee with out-of-network covered health care services, the aggregate value of which exceeds five thousand dollars ($5,000) in any year. This insurance shall obligate the insurer to continue to provide care for the period in which a premium was paid in the event a plan becomes insolvent. Where a plan cannot obtain insurance as required by this subparagraph, then a plan may demonstrate to the director that it has made other arrangements, acceptable to the director, for the cost of providing enrollees out-of-network health care services; but in this case the expenditure for total out-of-network costs for all enrollees in all point-of-service contracts shall be limited to a percentage, acceptable to the director, not to exceed 15 percent of total health care expenditures for all its enrollees.
(c) Within 30 days of the close of each month a plan offering point-of-service plan contracts under paragraph (2) of subdivision (b) shall file with the director a monthly financial report consisting of a balance sheet and statement of operations of the plan, which need not be certified, and a calculation of the adjusted tangible net equity required under subparagraph (A). The financial statements shall be prepared on a basis consistent with the financial statements furnished by the plan pursuant to Section 1300.84.2 of Title 28 of the California Code of Regulations. A plan shall also make special reports to the director as the director may from time to time require. Each report to be filed by a plan pursuant to this subdivision shall be verified by a principal officer of the plan as set forth in Section 1300.84.2(e) of Title 28 of the California Code of Regulations.
(d) If it appears to the director that a plan does not have sufficient financial viability, or organizational and administrative capacity to ensure the delivery of health care services to its enrollees, the director may, by written order, direct the plan to discontinue the offering of a point-of-service plan contract. The order shall be effective immediately.
(b) A plan may offer a point-of-service plan contract only if the director has not found the plan to be in violation of any requirements, including administrative capacity, under this chapter or the rules adopted thereunder and the plan meets, at a minimum, the following financial criteria:
(1) The minimum financial criteria for a plan that maintains a minimum net worth of at least five million dollars ($5,000,000) shall be:
(A) (i) Initial tangible net equity so that the plan is not required to file monthly reports with the director as required by Section 1300.84.3(d)(1)(G) of Title 28 of the California Code of Regulations and then have and maintain adjusted tangible net equity to be determined pursuant to either of the following:
(I) In the case of a plan that is required to have and maintain a tangible net equity as required by Section 1300.76(a)(1) or (2) of Title 28 of the California Code of Regulations, multiply 130 percent times the sum resulting from the addition of the plan's tangible net equity required by Section 1300.76(a)(1) or (2) of Title 28 of the California Code of Regulations and the number that equals 10 percent of the plan's annualized health care expenditures for out-of-network services for point-of-service enrollees.
(II) In the case of a plan that is required to have and maintain a tangible net equity as required by Section 1300.76(a)(3) of Title 28 of the California Code of Regulations, recalculate the plan's tangible net equity under Section 1300.76(a)(3) of Title 28 of the California Code of Regulations excluding the plan's annualized health care expenditures for out-of-network services for point-of-service enrollees, add together the number resulting from this recalculation and the number that equals 10 percent of the plan's annualized health care expenditures for out-of-network services for point-of-service enrollees, and multiply this sum times 130 percent, provided that the product of this multiplication must exceed 130 percent of the tangible net equity required by Section 1300.76(a)(3) of Title 28 of the California Code of Regulations so that the plan is not required to file monthly reports to the director as required by Section 1300.84.3(d)(1)(G) of Title 28 of the California Code of Regulations.
(ii) The failure of a plan offering a point-of-service plan contract under this article to maintain adjusted tangible net equity as determined by this subdivision shall require the filing of monthly reports with the director pursuant to Section 1300.84.3(d) of Title 28 of the California Code of Regulations, in addition to any other requirements that may be imposed by the director on a plan under this article and chapter.
(iii) The calculation of tangible net equity under any report to be filed by a plan offering a point-of-service plan contract under this article and required of a plan pursuant to Section 1384, and the regulations adopted thereunder, shall be on the basis of adjusted tangible net equity as determined under this subdivision.
(B) Demonstrates adequate working capital, including (i) a current ratio (current assets divided by current liabilities) of at least 1:1, after excluding obligations of officers, directors, owners, or affiliates, or (ii) evidence that the plan is now meeting its obligations on a timely basis and has been doing so for at least the preceding two years. Short-term obligations of affiliates for goods or services arising in the normal course of business that are payable on the same terms as equivalent transactions with nonaffiliates shall not be excluded. For purposes of this subdivision, an obligation is considered short term if the repayment schedule is 30 days or fewer.
(C) Demonstrates a trend of positive earnings over the previous eight fiscal quarters.
(2) The minimum financial criteria for a plan that maintains a minimum net worth of at least one million five hundred thousand dollars ($1,500,000) but less than five million dollars ($5,000,000) shall be:
(A) (i) Initial tangible net equity so that the plan is not required to file monthly reports with the director as required by Section 1300.84.3(d)(1)(G) of Title 28 of the California Code of Regulations and then have and maintain adjusted tangible net equity to be determined pursuant to either of the following:
(I) In the case of a plan that is required to have and maintain a tangible net equity as required by Section 1300.76(a)(1) or (2) of Title 28 of the California Code of Regulations, multiply 130 percent times the sum resulting from the addition of the plan's tangible net equity required by Section 1300.76(a)(1) or (2) of Title 28 of the California Code of Regulations and the number that equals 10 percent of the plan's annualized health care expenditures for out-of-network services for point-of-service enrollees.
(II) In the case of a plan that is required to have and maintain a tangible net equity as required by Section 1300.76(a)(3) of Title 28 of the California Code of Regulations, recalculate the plan's tangible net equity under Section 1300.76(a)(3) excluding the plan's annualized health care expenditures for out-of-network services for point-of-service enrollees, add together the number resulting from this recalculation and the number that equals 10 percent of the plan' s annualized health care expenditures for out-of-network services for point-of-service enrollees, and multiply this sum times 130 percent, provided that the product of this multiplication must exceed 130 percent of the tangible net equity required by Section 1300.76(a)(3) of Title 28 of the California Code of Regulations so that the plan is not required to file monthly reports to the director as required by Section 1300.84.3(d)(1)(G) of Title 28 of the California Code of Regulations.
(ii) The failure of a plan offering a point-of-service plan contract under this article to maintain adjusted tangible net equity as determined by this subdivision shall require the filing of monthly reports with the director pursuant to Section 1300.84.3(d) of Title 28 of the California Code of Regulations, in addition to any other requirements that may be imposed by the director on a plan under this article and chapter.
(iii) The calculation of tangible net equity under any report to be filed by a plan offering a point-of-service plan contract under this article and required of a plan pursuant to Section 1384, and the regulations adopted thereunder, shall be on the basis of adjusted tangible net equity as determined under this subdivision.
(B) Demonstrates adequate working capital, including (i) a current ratio (current assets divided by current liabilities) of at least 1:1, after excluding obligations of officers, directors, owners, or affiliates or (ii) evidence that the plan is now meeting its obligations on a timely basis and has been doing so for at least the preceding two years. Short-term obligations of affiliates for goods or services arising in the normal course of business that are payable on the same terms as equivalent transactions with nonaffiliates shall not be excluded. For purposes of this subdivision, an obligation is considered short term if the repayment schedule is 30 days or fewer.
(C) Demonstrates a trend of positive earnings over the previous eight fiscal quarters.
(D) Demonstrates to the director that it has obtained insurance for the cost of providing any point-of-service enrollee with out-of-network covered health care services, the aggregate value of which exceeds five thousand dollars ($5,000) in any year. This insurance shall obligate the insurer to continue to provide care for the period in which a premium was paid in the event a plan becomes insolvent. Where a plan cannot obtain insurance as required by this subparagraph, then a plan may demonstrate to the director that it has made other arrangements, acceptable to the director, for the cost of providing enrollees out-of-network health care services; but in this case the expenditure for total out-of-network costs for all enrollees in all point-of-service contracts shall be limited to a percentage, acceptable to the director, not to exceed 15 percent of total health care expenditures for all its enrollees.
(c) Within 30 days of the close of each month a plan offering point-of-service plan contracts under paragraph (2) of subdivision (b) shall file with the director a monthly financial report consisting of a balance sheet and statement of operations of the plan, which need not be certified, and a calculation of the adjusted tangible net equity required under subparagraph (A). The financial statements shall be prepared on a basis consistent with the financial statements furnished by the plan pursuant to Section 1300.84.2 of Title 28 of the California Code of Regulations. A plan shall also make special reports to the director as the director may from time to time require. Each report to be filed by a plan pursuant to this subdivision shall be verified by a principal officer of the plan as set forth in Section 1300.84.2(e) of Title 28 of the California Code of Regulations.
(d) If it appears to the director that a plan does not have sufficient financial viability, or organizational and administrative capacity to ensure the delivery of health care services to its enrollees, the director may, by written order, direct the plan to discontinue the offering of a point-of-service plan contract. The order shall be effective immediately.
Point-of-service plan contracts shall:
(a) Provide incentives, including financial incentives, for enrollees to use in-network coverage or services.
(b) Only offer coverage or services obtained out-of-network if it also provides coverage or services on an in-network basis.
(c) Shall not consider the following to be out-of-network coverage or services:
(1) Health care services received from a provider not affiliated with the health care service plan when the plan arranges for the enrollee to receive services from that provider.
(2) Out-of-area emergency care provided in accordance with the procedures set by the health care service plan to be followed in securing these services.
(a) Provide incentives, including financial incentives, for enrollees to use in-network coverage or services.
(b) Only offer coverage or services obtained out-of-network if it also provides coverage or services on an in-network basis.
(c) Shall not consider the following to be out-of-network coverage or services:
(1) Health care services received from a provider not affiliated with the health care service plan when the plan arranges for the enrollee to receive services from that provider.
(2) Out-of-area emergency care provided in accordance with the procedures set by the health care service plan to be followed in securing these services.
Any health care service plan that offers a
point-of-service plan contract may do all of the following:
(a) Limit or exclude coverage for specific types of services or conditions when obtained out-of-plan.
(b) Include annual out-of-pocket limits, copayments, and annual and lifetime maximum benefit limits for out-of-network coverage or services that are different or separate from any amounts or limits applied to in-network coverage or services, and may impose a deductible on coverage for out-of-network coverage or services.
(c) To the extent permitted under this chapter, may limit the groups to which a point-of-service plan contract is offered, and may adopt nondiscriminatory renewal guidelines under which one or more point-of-service plan contracts would be replaced with other than point-of-service plan contracts. If a point-of-service plan contract is sold to a group, then the group shall offer it to all members of that group who are eligible for coverage by the health care service plan.
(d) Treat as out-of-network services those services that an enrollee obtains from a provider affiliated with the plan, but not in accordance with the authorization procedures set forth in the health care service plan's approved evidence of coverage.
(e) Contracts between health care service plans and medical providers, for the purpose of providing medical services under point-of-service contracts, may include risk-sharing arrangements for out-of-network services, but only if the risk sharing arrangements meet all of the following conditions:
(1) The contracting medical provider agrees to participate in risk-sharing arrangements applicable to out-of-network services.
(2) If the medical provider is reimbursed on a capitated or prepaid basis, the contract shall clearly disclose the capitation or prepayment amount to be paid to the medical provider for in-network services received by enrollees under point-of-service contracts.
(3) Any capitation or prepayment amounts paid to the medical provider shall not place the medical provider directly at risk for or directly transfer liability for out-of-network services received by enrollees under point-of-service contracts.
(4) The risk-sharing arrangements for out-of-network services may provide a bonus or incentive to the medical provider to attempt to reduce the utilization of out-of-network services, but shall not place the medical provider at risk for any amounts in excess of the amounts used by the plan to budget for or fund the risk-sharing pool for out-of-network services.
(5) The contract between the medical provider and the plan shall clearly disclose the mathematical method by which funding for the risk-sharing arrangement is established, the mathematical method by which and the extent to which payments for out-of-network services are debited against the risk-sharing funds, and the method by which the risk-sharing arrangement is reconciled on no less than an annual basis.
(6) The contract is approved by the director.
(a) Limit or exclude coverage for specific types of services or conditions when obtained out-of-plan.
(b) Include annual out-of-pocket limits, copayments, and annual and lifetime maximum benefit limits for out-of-network coverage or services that are different or separate from any amounts or limits applied to in-network coverage or services, and may impose a deductible on coverage for out-of-network coverage or services.
(c) To the extent permitted under this chapter, may limit the groups to which a point-of-service plan contract is offered, and may adopt nondiscriminatory renewal guidelines under which one or more point-of-service plan contracts would be replaced with other than point-of-service plan contracts. If a point-of-service plan contract is sold to a group, then the group shall offer it to all members of that group who are eligible for coverage by the health care service plan.
(d) Treat as out-of-network services those services that an enrollee obtains from a provider affiliated with the plan, but not in accordance with the authorization procedures set forth in the health care service plan's approved evidence of coverage.
(e) Contracts between health care service plans and medical providers, for the purpose of providing medical services under point-of-service contracts, may include risk-sharing arrangements for out-of-network services, but only if the risk sharing arrangements meet all of the following conditions:
(1) The contracting medical provider agrees to participate in risk-sharing arrangements applicable to out-of-network services.
(2) If the medical provider is reimbursed on a capitated or prepaid basis, the contract shall clearly disclose the capitation or prepayment amount to be paid to the medical provider for in-network services received by enrollees under point-of-service contracts.
(3) Any capitation or prepayment amounts paid to the medical provider shall not place the medical provider directly at risk for or directly transfer liability for out-of-network services received by enrollees under point-of-service contracts.
(4) The risk-sharing arrangements for out-of-network services may provide a bonus or incentive to the medical provider to attempt to reduce the utilization of out-of-network services, but shall not place the medical provider at risk for any amounts in excess of the amounts used by the plan to budget for or fund the risk-sharing pool for out-of-network services.
(5) The contract between the medical provider and the plan shall clearly disclose the mathematical method by which funding for the risk-sharing arrangement is established, the mathematical method by which and the extent to which payments for out-of-network services are debited against the risk-sharing funds, and the method by which the risk-sharing arrangement is reconciled on no less than an annual basis.
(6) The contract is approved by the director.
A health care service plan offering a point-of-service
plan contract is subject to the following limitations:
(a) A health care service plan shall limit its offering of point-of-service plan contracts so that no more than 50 percent of the plan's total premium revenue in any fiscal quarter is earned from point-of-service plan contracts.
(b) A health care service plan offering a point-of-service plan contract shall not expend in any fiscal-year quarter more than 20 percent of its total health care expenditures for all its enrollees for out-of-network services for point-of-service enrollees.
(c) If the amount specified in subdivision (a) or (b) is exceeded by 2 percent in any quarter, the health care service plan shall come into compliance with subdivisions (a) and (b) by the end of the next following quarter. If compliance with the amount specified in subdivisions (a) and (b) is not demonstrated in the health care service plan's next quarterly report, the director may prohibit the health care service plan from offering a point-of-service plan contract to new groups, or may require the health care service plan to amend one or more of its point-of-service contracts at the time of renewal to delete some or all of the out-of-network coverage or services as may be necessary for the plan to demonstrate compliance to the director's satisfaction.
(d) The limitation imposed by this section shall not apply to a plan which in substantial part indemnified subscribers and enrollees pursuant to contracts issued under such plan's former registration under the Knox-Mills Health Plan Act in 1975 and as of that date, and on September 1, 1993, was offering point-of-service plan contracts previously approved by the director.
(a) A health care service plan shall limit its offering of point-of-service plan contracts so that no more than 50 percent of the plan's total premium revenue in any fiscal quarter is earned from point-of-service plan contracts.
(b) A health care service plan offering a point-of-service plan contract shall not expend in any fiscal-year quarter more than 20 percent of its total health care expenditures for all its enrollees for out-of-network services for point-of-service enrollees.
(c) If the amount specified in subdivision (a) or (b) is exceeded by 2 percent in any quarter, the health care service plan shall come into compliance with subdivisions (a) and (b) by the end of the next following quarter. If compliance with the amount specified in subdivisions (a) and (b) is not demonstrated in the health care service plan's next quarterly report, the director may prohibit the health care service plan from offering a point-of-service plan contract to new groups, or may require the health care service plan to amend one or more of its point-of-service contracts at the time of renewal to delete some or all of the out-of-network coverage or services as may be necessary for the plan to demonstrate compliance to the director's satisfaction.
(d) The limitation imposed by this section shall not apply to a plan which in substantial part indemnified subscribers and enrollees pursuant to contracts issued under such plan's former registration under the Knox-Mills Health Plan Act in 1975 and as of that date, and on September 1, 1993, was offering point-of-service plan contracts previously approved by the director.
A health care service plan that offers a point-of-service
plan contract shall do all of the following:
(a) Deposit with the director or, at the discretion of the director, with any organization or trustee acceptable to the director through which a custodial or controlled account is maintained, cash, securities, or any combination of these, which is acceptable to the director, that at all times have a fair market value equal to the greater of either one of the following:
(1) Two hundred thousand dollars ($200,000).
(2) One hundred twenty percent of the plan's current monthly claims payable plus incurred but not reported balance for coverage out-of-network coverage or services provided under point-of-service contracts.
(b) Track out-of-network point-of-service utilization separately from in-network utilization.
(c) Record point-of-service utilization in a manner that will permit utilization and cost reporting as the director may require.
(d) Demonstrate to the satisfaction of the director that the health care service plan has the fiscal, administrative, and marketing capacity to control its point-of-service plan contract enrollment, utilization, and costs so as not to jeopardize the financial viability or organizational and administrative capacity of the health care service plan.
(e) Maintain the deposit required under subdivision (a) in a manner agreed to by the director, subject to subdivision (a) of Section 1377 and any regulations adopted thereunder.
(f) Any deposit made pursuant to this section shall be a credit against any deposit required by subdivision (a) of Section 1377.
(a) Deposit with the director or, at the discretion of the director, with any organization or trustee acceptable to the director through which a custodial or controlled account is maintained, cash, securities, or any combination of these, which is acceptable to the director, that at all times have a fair market value equal to the greater of either one of the following:
(1) Two hundred thousand dollars ($200,000).
(2) One hundred twenty percent of the plan's current monthly claims payable plus incurred but not reported balance for coverage out-of-network coverage or services provided under point-of-service contracts.
(b) Track out-of-network point-of-service utilization separately from in-network utilization.
(c) Record point-of-service utilization in a manner that will permit utilization and cost reporting as the director may require.
(d) Demonstrate to the satisfaction of the director that the health care service plan has the fiscal, administrative, and marketing capacity to control its point-of-service plan contract enrollment, utilization, and costs so as not to jeopardize the financial viability or organizational and administrative capacity of the health care service plan.
(e) Maintain the deposit required under subdivision (a) in a manner agreed to by the director, subject to subdivision (a) of Section 1377 and any regulations adopted thereunder.
(f) Any deposit made pursuant to this section shall be a credit against any deposit required by subdivision (a) of Section 1377.
At least 20 business days prior to offering a
point-of-service plan contract, a health care service plan shall file
a notice of material modification in accordance with Section 1352.
The notice of material modification shall include, but not be limited
to, provisions specifying how the health care service plan shall
accomplish all of the following:
(a) Design the benefit levels and conditions of coverage for in-network coverage and services and out-of-network point-of-service utilization.
(b) Provide or arrange for the provision of adequate systems to do all of the following:
(1) Process and pay claims for all out-of-network coverage and services.
(2) Generate accurate financial and utilization data and reports on a timely basis, so that it and any authorized regulatory agency can evaluate the health care service plan's experience with point-of-service plan contracts and monitor compliance with point-of-service plan contract projections established by the health care service plan and regulatory requirements.
(3) Track and monitor the quality of health care obtained out-of-network by plan enrollees to the extent reasonable and possible.
(4) Respond promptly to enrollee grievances and complaints, written or oral, including those regarding services obtained out-of-network.
(5) Meet the requirements for a point-of-service plan contract set forth in this section and any additional requirements that may be required by the director.
(c) Comply initially and on an ongoing basis with the requirements of this article.
(d) This section shall become operative July 1, 1995.
(a) Design the benefit levels and conditions of coverage for in-network coverage and services and out-of-network point-of-service utilization.
(b) Provide or arrange for the provision of adequate systems to do all of the following:
(1) Process and pay claims for all out-of-network coverage and services.
(2) Generate accurate financial and utilization data and reports on a timely basis, so that it and any authorized regulatory agency can evaluate the health care service plan's experience with point-of-service plan contracts and monitor compliance with point-of-service plan contract projections established by the health care service plan and regulatory requirements.
(3) Track and monitor the quality of health care obtained out-of-network by plan enrollees to the extent reasonable and possible.
(4) Respond promptly to enrollee grievances and complaints, written or oral, including those regarding services obtained out-of-network.
(5) Meet the requirements for a point-of-service plan contract set forth in this section and any additional requirements that may be required by the director.
(c) Comply initially and on an ongoing basis with the requirements of this article.
(d) This section shall become operative July 1, 1995.
No plan formerly registered under the Knox-Mills Health
Plan Act (Article 2.5 (commencing with Section 12530) of Chapter 6 of
Part 2 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code) in 1975
shall be required to file a notice of material modification under
Section 1374.69 or 1374.70 for any point-of-service plan contract
previously approved by the director under this chapter and offered by
plan on or before September 1, 1993.
(a) Every health care service plan contract issued,
amended, or renewed on or after July 1, 2000, that provides hospital,
medical, or surgical coverage shall provide coverage for the
diagnosis and medically necessary treatment of severe mental
illnesses of a person of any age, and of serious emotional
disturbances of a child, as specified in subdivisions (d) and (e),
under the same terms and conditions applied to other medical
conditions as specified in subdivision (c).
(b) These benefits shall include the following:
(1) Outpatient services.
(2) Inpatient hospital services.
(3) Partial hospital services.
(4) Prescription drugs, if the plan contract includes coverage for prescription drugs.
(c) The terms and conditions applied to the benefits required by this section, that shall be applied equally to all benefits under the plan contract, shall include, but not be limited to, the following:
(1) Maximum lifetime benefits.
(2) Copayments.
(3) Individual and family deductibles.
(d) For the purposes of this section, "severe mental illnesses" shall include:
(1) Schizophrenia.
(2) Schizoaffective disorder.
(3) Bipolar disorder (manic-depressive illness).
(4) Major depressive disorders.
(5) Panic disorder.
(6) Obsessive-compulsive disorder.
(7) Pervasive developmental disorder or autism.
(8) Anorexia nervosa.
(9) Bulimia nervosa.
(e) For the purposes of this section, a child suffering from, "serious emotional disturbances of a child" shall be defined as a child who (1) has one or more mental disorders as identified in the most recent edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, other than a primary substance use disorder or developmental disorder, that result in behavior inappropriate to the child's age according to expected developmental norms, and (2) who meets the criteria in paragraph (2) of subdivision (a) of Section 5600.3 of the Welfare and Institutions Code.
(f) This section shall not apply to contracts entered into pursuant to Chapter 7 (commencing with Section 14000) or Chapter 8 (commencing with Section 14200) of Division 9 of Part 3 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, between the State Department of Health Services and a health care service plan for enrolled Medi-Cal beneficiaries.
(g) (1) For the purpose of compliance with this section, a plan may provide coverage for all or part of the mental health services required by this section through a separate specialized health care service plan or mental health plan, and shall not be required to obtain an additional or specialized license for this purpose.
(2) A plan shall provide the mental health coverage required by this section in its entire service area and in emergency situations as may be required by applicable laws and regulations. For purposes of this section, health care service plan contracts that provide benefits to enrollees through preferred provider contracting arrangements are not precluded from requiring enrollees who reside or work in geographic areas served by specialized health care service plans or mental health plans to secure all or part of their mental health services within those geographic areas served by specialized health care service plans or mental health plans.
(3) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, in the provision of benefits required by this section, a health care service plan may utilize case management, network providers, utilization review techniques, prior authorization, copayments, or other cost sharing.
(h) Nothing in this section shall be construed to deny or restrict in any way the department's authority to ensure plan compliance with this chapter when a plan provides coverage for prescription drugs.
(b) These benefits shall include the following:
(1) Outpatient services.
(2) Inpatient hospital services.
(3) Partial hospital services.
(4) Prescription drugs, if the plan contract includes coverage for prescription drugs.
(c) The terms and conditions applied to the benefits required by this section, that shall be applied equally to all benefits under the plan contract, shall include, but not be limited to, the following:
(1) Maximum lifetime benefits.
(2) Copayments.
(3) Individual and family deductibles.
(d) For the purposes of this section, "severe mental illnesses" shall include:
(1) Schizophrenia.
(2) Schizoaffective disorder.
(3) Bipolar disorder (manic-depressive illness).
(4) Major depressive disorders.
(5) Panic disorder.
(6) Obsessive-compulsive disorder.
(7) Pervasive developmental disorder or autism.
(8) Anorexia nervosa.
(9) Bulimia nervosa.
(e) For the purposes of this section, a child suffering from, "serious emotional disturbances of a child" shall be defined as a child who (1) has one or more mental disorders as identified in the most recent edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, other than a primary substance use disorder or developmental disorder, that result in behavior inappropriate to the child's age according to expected developmental norms, and (2) who meets the criteria in paragraph (2) of subdivision (a) of Section 5600.3 of the Welfare and Institutions Code.
(f) This section shall not apply to contracts entered into pursuant to Chapter 7 (commencing with Section 14000) or Chapter 8 (commencing with Section 14200) of Division 9 of Part 3 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, between the State Department of Health Services and a health care service plan for enrolled Medi-Cal beneficiaries.
(g) (1) For the purpose of compliance with this section, a plan may provide coverage for all or part of the mental health services required by this section through a separate specialized health care service plan or mental health plan, and shall not be required to obtain an additional or specialized license for this purpose.
(2) A plan shall provide the mental health coverage required by this section in its entire service area and in emergency situations as may be required by applicable laws and regulations. For purposes of this section, health care service plan contracts that provide benefits to enrollees through preferred provider contracting arrangements are not precluded from requiring enrollees who reside or work in geographic areas served by specialized health care service plans or mental health plans to secure all or part of their mental health services within those geographic areas served by specialized health care service plans or mental health plans.
(3) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, in the provision of benefits required by this section, a health care service plan may utilize case management, network providers, utilization review techniques, prior authorization, copayments, or other cost sharing.
(h) Nothing in this section shall be construed to deny or restrict in any way the department's authority to ensure plan compliance with this chapter when a plan provides coverage for prescription drugs.
(a) (1) Every health care service plan contract that
provides hospital, medical, or surgical coverage shall also provide
coverage for behavioral health treatment for pervasive developmental
disorder or autism no later than July 1, 2012. The coverage shall be
provided in the same manner and shall be subject to the same
requirements as provided in Section 1374.72.
(2) Notwithstanding paragraph (1), as of the date that proposed final rulemaking for essential health benefits is issued, this section does not require any benefits to be provided that exceed the essential health benefits that all health plans will be required by federal regulations to provide under Section 1302(b) of the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (Public Law 111-148), as amended by the federal Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010 (Public Law 111-152).
(3) This section shall not affect services for which an individual is eligible pursuant to Division 4.5 (commencing with Section 4500) of the Welfare and Institutions Code or Title 14 (commencing with Section 95000) of the Government Code.
(4) This section shall not affect or reduce any obligation to provide services under an individualized education program, as defined in Section 56032 of the Education Code, or an individual service plan, as described in Section 5600.4 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, or under the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. Sec. 1400 et seq.) and its implementing regulations.
(b) Every health care service plan subject to this section shall maintain an adequate network that includes qualified autism service providers who supervise and employ qualified autism service professionals or paraprofessionals who provide and administer behavioral health treatment. Nothing shall prevent a health care service plan from selectively contracting with providers within these requirements.
(c) For the purposes of this section, the following definitions shall apply:
(1) "Behavioral health treatment" means professional services and treatment programs, including applied behavior analysis and evidence-based behavior intervention programs, that develop or restore, to the maximum extent practicable, the functioning of an individual with pervasive developmental disorder or autism and that meet all of the following criteria:
(A) The treatment is prescribed by a physician and surgeon licensed pursuant to Chapter 5 (commencing with Section 2000) of, or is developed by a psychologist licensed pursuant to Chapter 6.6 (commencing with Section 2900) of, Division 2 of the Business and Professions Code.
(B) The treatment is provided under a treatment plan prescribed by a qualified autism service provider and is administered by one of the following:
(i) A qualified autism service provider.
(ii) A qualified autism service professional supervised and employed by the qualified autism service provider.
(iii) A qualified autism service paraprofessional supervised and employed by a qualified autism service provider.
(C) The treatment plan has measurable goals over a specific timeline that is developed and approved by the qualified autism service provider for the specific patient being treated. The treatment plan shall be reviewed no less than once every six months by the qualified autism service provider and modified whenever appropriate, and shall be consistent with Section 4686.2 of the Welfare and Institutions Code pursuant to which the qualified autism service provider does all of the following:
(i) Describes the patient's behavioral health impairments or developmental challenges that are to be treated.
(ii) Designs an intervention plan that includes the service type, number of hours, and parent participation needed to achieve the plan' s goal and objectives, and the frequency at which the patient's progress is evaluated and reported.
(iii) Provides intervention plans that utilize evidence-based practices, with demonstrated clinical efficacy in treating pervasive developmental disorder or autism.
(iv) Discontinues intensive behavioral intervention services when the treatment goals and objectives are achieved or no longer appropriate.
(D) The treatment plan is not used for purposes of providing or for the reimbursement of respite, day care, or educational services and is not used to reimburse a parent for participating in the treatment program. The treatment plan shall be made available to the health care service plan upon request.
(2) "Pervasive developmental disorder or autism" shall have the same meaning and interpretation as used in Section 1374.72.
(3) "Qualified autism service provider" means either of the following:
(A) A person, entity, or group that is certified by a national entity, such as the Behavior Analyst Certification Board, that is accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies, and who designs, supervises, or provides treatment for pervasive developmental disorder or autism, provided the services are within the experience and competence of the person, entity, or group that is nationally certified.
(B) A person licensed as a physician and surgeon, physical therapist, occupational therapist, psychologist, marriage and family therapist, educational psychologist, clinical social worker, professional clinical counselor, speech-language pathologist, or audiologist pursuant to Division 2 (commencing with Section 500) of the Business and Professions Code, who designs, supervises, or provides treatment for pervasive developmental disorder or autism, provided the services are within the experience and competence of the licensee.
(4) "Qualified autism service professional" means an individual who meets all of the following criteria:
(A) Provides behavioral health treatment.
(B) Is employed and supervised by a qualified autism service provider.
(C) Provides treatment pursuant to a treatment plan developed and approved by the qualified autism service provider.
(D) Is a behavioral service provider approved as a vendor by a California regional center to provide services as an Associate Behavior Analyst, Behavior Analyst, Behavior Management Assistant, Behavior Management Consultant, or Behavior Management Program as defined in Section 54342 of Title 17 of the California Code of Regulations.
(E) Has training and experience in providing services for pervasive developmental disorder or autism pursuant to Division 4.5 (commencing with Section 4500) of the Welfare and Institutions Code or Title 14 (commencing with Section 95000) of the Government Code.
(5) "Qualified autism service paraprofessional" means an unlicensed and uncertified individual who meets all of the following criteria:
(A) Is employed and supervised by a qualified autism service provider.
(B) Provides treatment and implements services pursuant to a treatment plan developed and approved by the qualified autism service provider.
(C) Meets the criteria set forth in the regulations adopted pursuant to Section 4686.3 of the Welfare and Institutions Code.
(D) Has adequate education, training, and experience, as certified by a qualified autism service provider.
(d) This section shall not apply to the following:
(1) A specialized health care service plan that does not deliver mental health or behavioral health services to enrollees.
(2) A health care service plan contract in the Medi-Cal program (Chapter 7 (commencing with Section 14000) of Part 3 of Division 9 of the Welfare and Institutions Code).
(3) A health care service plan contract in the Healthy Families Program (Part 6.2 (commencing with Section 12693) of Division 2 of the Insurance Code).
(4) A health care benefit plan or contract entered into with the Board of Administration of the Public Employees' Retirement System pursuant to the Public Employees' Medical and Hospital Care Act (Part 5 (commencing with Section 22750) of Division 5 of Title 2 of the Government Code).
(e) Nothing in this section shall be construed to limit the obligation to provide services under Section 1374.72.
(f) As provided in Section 1374.72 and in paragraph (1) of subdivision (a), in the provision of benefits required by this section, a health care service plan may utilize case management, network providers, utilization review techniques, prior authorization, copayments, or other cost sharing.
(g) This section shall remain in effect only until January 1, 2017, and as of that date is repealed, unless a later enacted statute, that is enacted before January 1, 2017, deletes or extends that date.
(2) Notwithstanding paragraph (1), as of the date that proposed final rulemaking for essential health benefits is issued, this section does not require any benefits to be provided that exceed the essential health benefits that all health plans will be required by federal regulations to provide under Section 1302(b) of the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (Public Law 111-148), as amended by the federal Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010 (Public Law 111-152).
(3) This section shall not affect services for which an individual is eligible pursuant to Division 4.5 (commencing with Section 4500) of the Welfare and Institutions Code or Title 14 (commencing with Section 95000) of the Government Code.
(4) This section shall not affect or reduce any obligation to provide services under an individualized education program, as defined in Section 56032 of the Education Code, or an individual service plan, as described in Section 5600.4 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, or under the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. Sec. 1400 et seq.) and its implementing regulations.
(b) Every health care service plan subject to this section shall maintain an adequate network that includes qualified autism service providers who supervise and employ qualified autism service professionals or paraprofessionals who provide and administer behavioral health treatment. Nothing shall prevent a health care service plan from selectively contracting with providers within these requirements.
(c) For the purposes of this section, the following definitions shall apply:
(1) "Behavioral health treatment" means professional services and treatment programs, including applied behavior analysis and evidence-based behavior intervention programs, that develop or restore, to the maximum extent practicable, the functioning of an individual with pervasive developmental disorder or autism and that meet all of the following criteria:
(A) The treatment is prescribed by a physician and surgeon licensed pursuant to Chapter 5 (commencing with Section 2000) of, or is developed by a psychologist licensed pursuant to Chapter 6.6 (commencing with Section 2900) of, Division 2 of the Business and Professions Code.
(B) The treatment is provided under a treatment plan prescribed by a qualified autism service provider and is administered by one of the following:
(i) A qualified autism service provider.
(ii) A qualified autism service professional supervised and employed by the qualified autism service provider.
(iii) A qualified autism service paraprofessional supervised and employed by a qualified autism service provider.
(C) The treatment plan has measurable goals over a specific timeline that is developed and approved by the qualified autism service provider for the specific patient being treated. The treatment plan shall be reviewed no less than once every six months by the qualified autism service provider and modified whenever appropriate, and shall be consistent with Section 4686.2 of the Welfare and Institutions Code pursuant to which the qualified autism service provider does all of the following:
(i) Describes the patient's behavioral health impairments or developmental challenges that are to be treated.
(ii) Designs an intervention plan that includes the service type, number of hours, and parent participation needed to achieve the plan' s goal and objectives, and the frequency at which the patient's progress is evaluated and reported.
(iii) Provides intervention plans that utilize evidence-based practices, with demonstrated clinical efficacy in treating pervasive developmental disorder or autism.
(iv) Discontinues intensive behavioral intervention services when the treatment goals and objectives are achieved or no longer appropriate.
(D) The treatment plan is not used for purposes of providing or for the reimbursement of respite, day care, or educational services and is not used to reimburse a parent for participating in the treatment program. The treatment plan shall be made available to the health care service plan upon request.
(2) "Pervasive developmental disorder or autism" shall have the same meaning and interpretation as used in Section 1374.72.
(3) "Qualified autism service provider" means either of the following:
(A) A person, entity, or group that is certified by a national entity, such as the Behavior Analyst Certification Board, that is accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies, and who designs, supervises, or provides treatment for pervasive developmental disorder or autism, provided the services are within the experience and competence of the person, entity, or group that is nationally certified.
(B) A person licensed as a physician and surgeon, physical therapist, occupational therapist, psychologist, marriage and family therapist, educational psychologist, clinical social worker, professional clinical counselor, speech-language pathologist, or audiologist pursuant to Division 2 (commencing with Section 500) of the Business and Professions Code, who designs, supervises, or provides treatment for pervasive developmental disorder or autism, provided the services are within the experience and competence of the licensee.
(4) "Qualified autism service professional" means an individual who meets all of the following criteria:
(A) Provides behavioral health treatment.
(B) Is employed and supervised by a qualified autism service provider.
(C) Provides treatment pursuant to a treatment plan developed and approved by the qualified autism service provider.
(D) Is a behavioral service provider approved as a vendor by a California regional center to provide services as an Associate Behavior Analyst, Behavior Analyst, Behavior Management Assistant, Behavior Management Consultant, or Behavior Management Program as defined in Section 54342 of Title 17 of the California Code of Regulations.
(E) Has training and experience in providing services for pervasive developmental disorder or autism pursuant to Division 4.5 (commencing with Section 4500) of the Welfare and Institutions Code or Title 14 (commencing with Section 95000) of the Government Code.
(5) "Qualified autism service paraprofessional" means an unlicensed and uncertified individual who meets all of the following criteria:
(A) Is employed and supervised by a qualified autism service provider.
(B) Provides treatment and implements services pursuant to a treatment plan developed and approved by the qualified autism service provider.
(C) Meets the criteria set forth in the regulations adopted pursuant to Section 4686.3 of the Welfare and Institutions Code.
(D) Has adequate education, training, and experience, as certified by a qualified autism service provider.
(d) This section shall not apply to the following:
(1) A specialized health care service plan that does not deliver mental health or behavioral health services to enrollees.
(2) A health care service plan contract in the Medi-Cal program (Chapter 7 (commencing with Section 14000) of Part 3 of Division 9 of the Welfare and Institutions Code).
(3) A health care service plan contract in the Healthy Families Program (Part 6.2 (commencing with Section 12693) of Division 2 of the Insurance Code).
(4) A health care benefit plan or contract entered into with the Board of Administration of the Public Employees' Retirement System pursuant to the Public Employees' Medical and Hospital Care Act (Part 5 (commencing with Section 22750) of Division 5 of Title 2 of the Government Code).
(e) Nothing in this section shall be construed to limit the obligation to provide services under Section 1374.72.
(f) As provided in Section 1374.72 and in paragraph (1) of subdivision (a), in the provision of benefits required by this section, a health care service plan may utilize case management, network providers, utilization review techniques, prior authorization, copayments, or other cost sharing.
(g) This section shall remain in effect only until January 1, 2017, and as of that date is repealed, unless a later enacted statute, that is enacted before January 1, 2017, deletes or extends that date.
(a) The department, in consultation with the Department of
Insurance, shall convene an Autism Advisory Task Force by February
1, 2012, in collaboration with other agencies, departments,
advocates, autism experts, health plan and health insurer
representatives, and other entities and stakeholders that it deems
appropriate. The Autism Advisory Task Force shall develop
recommendations regarding behavioral health treatment that is
medically necessary for the treatment of individuals with autism or
pervasive developmental disorder. The Autism Advisory Task Force
shall address all of the following:
(1) Interventions that have been scientifically validated and have demonstrated clinical efficacy.
(2) Interventions that have measurable treatment outcomes.
(3) Patient selection, monitoring, and duration of therapy.
(4) Qualifications, training, and supervision of providers.
(5) Adequate networks of providers.
(b) The Autism Advisory Task Force shall also develop recommendations regarding the education, training, and experience requirements that unlicensed individuals providing autism services shall meet in order to secure a license from the state.
(c) The department shall submit a report of the Autism Advisory Task Force to the Governor, the President pro Tempore of the Senate, the Speaker of the Assembly, and the Senate and Assembly Committees on Health by December 31, 2012, on which date the task force shall cease to exist.
(1) Interventions that have been scientifically validated and have demonstrated clinical efficacy.
(2) Interventions that have measurable treatment outcomes.
(3) Patient selection, monitoring, and duration of therapy.
(4) Qualifications, training, and supervision of providers.
(5) Adequate networks of providers.
(b) The Autism Advisory Task Force shall also develop recommendations regarding the education, training, and experience requirements that unlicensed individuals providing autism services shall meet in order to secure a license from the state.
(c) The department shall submit a report of the Autism Advisory Task Force to the Governor, the President pro Tempore of the Senate, the Speaker of the Assembly, and the Senate and Assembly Committees on Health by December 31, 2012, on which date the task force shall cease to exist.
(a) No later than January 1, 2015, a large group health
care service plan contract shall provide all covered mental health
and substance use disorder benefits in compliance with the Paul
Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity
Act of 2008 (Public Law 110-343) and all rules, regulations, and
guidance issued pursuant to Section 2726 of the federal Public Health
Service Act (42 U.S.C. Sec. 300gg-26).
(b) No later than January 1, 2015, an individual or small group health care service plan contract shall provide all covered mental health and substance use disorder benefits in compliance with the Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008 (Public Law 110-343), all rules, regulations, and guidance issued pursuant to Section 2726 of the federal Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. Sec. 300gg-26), and Section 1367.005.
(c) Until January 1, 2016, the director may issue guidance to health care service plans regarding compliance with this section. This guidance shall not be subject to the Administrative Procedure Act (Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code). Any guidance issued pursuant to this subdivision shall be effective only until the director adopts regulations pursuant to the Administrative Procedure Act. The department shall consult with the Department of Insurance in issuing guidance under this subdivision.
(b) No later than January 1, 2015, an individual or small group health care service plan contract shall provide all covered mental health and substance use disorder benefits in compliance with the Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008 (Public Law 110-343), all rules, regulations, and guidance issued pursuant to Section 2726 of the federal Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. Sec. 300gg-26), and Section 1367.005.
(c) Until January 1, 2016, the director may issue guidance to health care service plans regarding compliance with this section. This guidance shall not be subject to the Administrative Procedure Act (Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code). Any guidance issued pursuant to this subdivision shall be effective only until the director adopts regulations pursuant to the Administrative Procedure Act. The department shall consult with the Department of Insurance in issuing guidance under this subdivision.
