AN ACT ADDING NATUROPATHIC PHYSICIANS TO THE HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS FOR WHICH FREEDOM OF CHOICE IN SELECTION MUST BE PROVIDED UNDER DISABILITY INSURANCE POLICIES OR CERTIFICATES; REQUIRING HEALTH SERVICES CORPORATIONS TO COVER SERVICES PROVIDED BY A NATUROPATHIC PHYSICIAN; AMENDING SECTION 33-22-111, MCA; AND PROVIDING A DELAYED EFFECTIVE DATE.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MONTANA:

Section 1. Section 33-22-111, MCA, is amended to read:

"33-22-111. Policies and certificates to provide for freedom of choice of practitioners -- professional practice not enlarged. (1) All policies or certificates of disability insurance, including individual, group, and blanket policies or certificates, must provide that the insured has full freedom of choice in the selection of any licensed physician, physician assistant-certified, dentist, osteopath, chiropractor, optometrist, podiatrist, psychologist, licensed social worker, licensed professional counselor, acupuncturist, naturopathic physician, or nurse specialist as specifically listed in 37-8-202 for treatment of any illness or injury within the scope and limitations of the person's practice. Whenever the policies or certificates insure against the expense of drugs, the insured has full freedom of choice in the selection of any licensed and registered pharmacist.

(2) This section may not be construed as enlarging the scope and limitations of practice of any of the licensed professions enumerated in subsection (1). This section may not be construed as amending, altering, or repealing any statutes relating to the licensing or use of hospitals."

Section 2. Coverage required for services provided by naturopathic physicians. A health service corporation shall provide, in group and individual insurance contracts or certificates, coverage for health services provided by a naturopathic physician licensed pursuant to Title 37, chapter 26, if the health care services that naturopathic physicians are licensed to perform are covered by the contract or certificate.

Section 3. Codification instruction. [Section 2] is intended to be codified as an integral part of Title 33, chapter 30, part 10, and the provisions of Title 33, chapter 30, part 10, apply to [section 2].

Section 4. Effective date. [This act] is effective January 1, 2000.

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I hereby certify that the within bill,

SB 0388, originated in the Senate.

Secretary of the Senate

President of the Senate

Signed this	day

of	, .

Speaker of the House

Signed this	day

of	, .

SENATE BILL NO. 388

INTRODUCED BY C. CHRISTIAENS, C. AHNER

AN ACT ADDING NATUROPATHIC PHYSICIANS TO THE HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS FOR WHICH FREEDOM OF CHOICE IN SELECTION MUST BE PROVIDED UNDER DISABILITY INSURANCE POLICIES OR CERTIFICATES; REQUIRING HEALTH SERVICES CORPORATIONS TO COVER SERVICES PROVIDED BY A NATUROPATHIC PHYSICIAN; AMENDING SECTION 33-22-111, MCA; AND PROVIDING A DELAYED EFFECTIVE DATE.