Bill > HB586

This bill establishes an expedited credentialing process for licensed behavior analysts who want to join the network of a managed care health plan in Texas. Specifically, a behavior analyst who joins an established professional practice with an existing managed care plan contract can be treated as a participating provider during the credentialing process, allowing them to collect copayments and receive payments from the plan while their application is being reviewed. To qualify, the behavior analyst must be licensed in good standing with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, submit all required documentation, and agree to the plan's participating provider contract terms. If the managed care plan ultimately determines the applicant does not meet credentialing requirements, the plan can recover the difference between in-network and out-of-network benefit payments, but the enrollee (patient) will be held harmless and not responsible for any additional charges. The bill also limits the managed care plan's liability for damages related to this process. The legislation aims to streamline the provider network expansion process for behavior analysts and improve access to behavioral health services.

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https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB586