Georgia § 33-20A-7 - Penalizing provider for discussing necessary or appropriate care with patient prohibited; penalty for providing records and assistance prohibited; penalty for violations.

§ 33-20A-7. Penalizing provider for discussing necessary or appropriate care with patient prohibited; penalty for providing records and assistance prohibited; penalty for violations.

No health care provider may be penalized for considering, studying, or discussing medically necessary or appropriate care with or on behalf of his or her patient. No health care provider may be penalized by a managed care plan for providing testimony, evidence, records, or any other assistance to an enrollee who is disputing a denial, in whole or in part, of a health care treatment or service or claim therefor. A finding of a violation of this Code section or Code Section 33-20A-6 by a managed care plan shall constitute an unfair trade practice punishable under Article 1 of Chapter 6 of this title. (Code 1981, § 33-20A-7 , enacted by Ga. L. 1996, p. 485, § 1; Ga. L. 1999, p. 342, § 2; Ga. L. 1999, p. 350, § 2.) Editor's notes. - Ga. L. 1999, p. 342, § 7, not codified by the General Assembly, provides that: "This Act shall become effective on July 1, 1999, for purposes of preparing for implementation of the consumer choice option and shall be applicable to any contract, policy, or other agreement of a managed care plan or health maintenance organization if such contract, policy, or agreement provides for health care services or reimbursement therefor and is issued, issued for delivery, delivered, or renewed on or after January 1, 2000."