The purpose of this Rule is to implement Ark. Code Ann. § 23-99-802(4)(DD) which permits the Arkansas Insurance Department to add by regulation "other health care practitioners" who may be entitled to participate in health benefit plans under Ark. Code Ann. § 23-99-201. et seq. and Ark. Code Ann. § 23-99-801, et seq. (otherwise known as the "Any Willing Provider Law").
The following "other health care practitioners" shall be entitled to participate in health benefit plans under the Any Willing Provider Law, in addition to the health care providers listed in Ark. Code Ann. § 23-99-203(d) and § 23-99-802(4), to the extent that the specific health care service is offered or covered in the health benefit plan in the manner specified in the health benefit plan of that insured or beneficiary:
Nothing in this Rule shall mandate that a health care insurer must offer or cover a health care service performed by a provider listed under this Rule, or establish a network for that class of medical providers.
Authority for this Rule is given to the Insurance Commissioner for the State of Arkansas by Ark. Code Ann. § 23-99-802 (4)(DD) which permits the Arkansas Insurance Department to add "other health care practitioners" entitled to participate in the Any Willing Provider Law. In addition, the Commissioner has authority to issue this Poile under Ark. Code Ann. §§ 23-99-803(1), 23-61-108, and 25-15-201 et seq.
This Rule shall apply to all "health insurers." or "health care insurers," defined in Ark. Code Arm. § 23-99-802(5), which provide or offer "health benefit plans" defined in Ark. Code Ann. § 23-99-802(3).
If any provision of this Rule, or the application thereof to any person or circumstance, is held invalid, such invalidity shall not affect other provisions or applications of this Rule which can be given effect without the invalid provision or application, and to that end the provisions of this Rule are severable.
This Rule shall be effective on and after January 1, 2007.
054.00.06 Ark. Code R. 007