BY SENATORS Reeves, Feeley, Hernandez, Johnson, Martinez, Phillips, Rupert, and Weddig;
also REPRESENTATIVES Alexander and Epps.
CONCERNING A REQUIREMENT THAT MANAGED CARE PLANS
PROVIDE PATIENTS WITH DIRECT ACCESS TO THE SERVICES OF A CERTIFIED
NURSE MIDWIFE.
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State
of Colorado:
SECTION 1. 1016107
(5) (a) and the introductory portion to 1016107 (5)
(b) (I), Colorado Revised Statutes, are amended to read:
1016107. Rate regulation
approval of policy forms benefit certificates
evidences of coverage loss ratio guarantees disclosures
on treatment of intractable pain. (5) Effective
January 31, 1997, a managed care plan that provides coverage for
reproductive health or gynecological care shall not be issued
or renewed unless such plan either:
(a) Provides a woman covered by the plan
direct access to an obstetrician, or
gynecologist, OR AN ADVANCED PRACTICE NURSE WHO IS A CERTIFIED
NURSE MIDWIFE PURSUANT TO SECTION 1238111.5, C.R.S.,
participating and available under the plan for her reproductive
health care or gynecological care; or
(b) (I) Subject to rules promulgated
by the commissioner, has procedures in place that ensure that,
if a woman covered by the plan requests a timely referral to an
obstetrician, or
gynecologist, OR AN ADVANCED PRACTICE NURSE WHO IS A CERTIFIED
NURSE MIDWIFE PURSUANT TO SECTION 1238111.5, C.R.S.,
participating and available under the plan for her reproductive
health and gynecological care, the request for referral shall
not be unreasonably withheld. Such rules shall include, but need
not be limited to, the following issues:
SECTION 2. Effective
date applicability. This act shall take
effect January 1, 1999, and shall apply to policies issued and
renewed on or after said date.
SECTION 3. Safety
clause. The general assembly hereby finds, determines, and
declares that this act is necessary for the immediate preservation
of the public peace, health, and safety.
____________________________ ____________________________
Tom Norton Charles E. Berry
PRESIDENT OF SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE
THE SENATE OF REPRESENTATIVES
____________________________ ____________________________
Patricia K. Dicks Judith M. Rodrigue
ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF CHIEF CLERK OF THE HOUSE
THE SENATE OF REPRESENTATIVES
APPROVED________________________________________
_________________________________________
Roy Romer
GOVERNOR OF THE STATE
OF COLORADO