Maine § 2332-K. - Coverage for services of certified nurse practitioners; certified midwives; certified nurse midwives

§ 2332-K.. Coverage for services of certified nurse practitioners; certified midwives; certified nurse midwives

1.  Required coverage for services upon referral of primary care provider.  A nonprofit hospital or a medical service organization that issues individual and group health care contracts shall provide coverage under those contracts for services performed by a certified nurse practitioner, certified midwife or certified nurse midwife to a patient who is referred to the certified nurse practitioner, certified midwife or certified nurse midwife by a primary care provider when those services are within the lawful scope of practice of the certified nurse practitioner, certified midwife or certified nurse midwife.

2.  Required coverage for self-referred services.  With respect to individual and group health care contracts that do not require the selection of a primary care provider, a nonprofit hospital or medical service organization shall provide coverage under those contracts for services performed by a certified nurse practitioner, certified midwife or certified nurse midwife when those services are covered services and when they are within the lawful scope of practice of the certified nurse practitioner, certified midwife or certified nurse midwife.

3.  Limits; coinsurance; deductibles.  Any contract that provides coverage for services under this section may contain provisions for maximum benefits and coinsurance and reasonable limitations, deductibles and exclusions to the extent that these provisions are not inconsistent with the requirements of this section.

4.  Application.  The requirements of this section apply to all policies, contracts and certificates executed, delivered, issued for delivery, continued or renewed in this State. For purposes of this section, all contracts are deemed to be renewed no later than the next yearly anniversary of the contract date.