DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part of the
legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute part of the law
or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
HB 257 Original 2015 Regular Session Seabaugh
Abstract: Provides with respect to credentialing, the process of assessing and validating the
qualifications of healthcare providers applying to be approved by a health insurance issuer
to provide healthcare services to the health insurance issuer's enrollees or insureds.
Proposed law changes present law authorizing health insurance issuers to require healthcare
providers to be credentialed, as follows:
(1)Changes the definition of a "health care provider" to specifically include a dentist licensed
to practice dentistry by the La. State Board of Dentistry.
(2)Changes the definition of a "health insurance issuer" to specifically include a dental benefit
plan, including an entity defined as a dental service contractor in present law.
(3)Provides that once a provider has been credentialed by a health insurance issuer for any
location in the state, that provider shall be considered credentialed for all locations at which
that provider may legally practice medicine or dentistry in this state. States that it is necessary
only that the credentialed provider give the issuer written notice of any additional location
of practice beyond the primary practice location and any additional practice location
originally noted on the provider's initial credentialing application form. Prohibits any
requirement that the provider be recredentialed for such additional locations. Further
provides that the credentialing for any additional location shall be effective immediately
upon receipt by the issuer of written notice from the provider.
Effective upon signature of governor or lapse of time for gubernatorial action.
(Amends R.S. 22:1009(A)(5) and (7); Adds R.S. 22:1009(B)(5))