Sec. 4. 24-A MRSA §4245 is enacted to read:

§4245.__Coverage of gynecological services performed by nurse

practitioners

1.__Required coverage for services.__Notwithstanding any other provisions of this chapter, a health maintenance organization that issues individual and group health care contracts shall provide coverage under those contracts for gynecological services performed by nurse practitioners when those services are within the lawful scope of practice of the nurse practitioner.

2.__Limits; coinsurance; deductibles.__Any contract that provides coverage for the services required by 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.

Sec. 5. Application. The requirements of this Act apply to all policies, contracts and certificates executed, delivered, issued for delivery, continued or renewed in this State on or after January 1, 2000. For purposes of this Act, a contract is deemed renewed no later than the next yearly anniversary of the contract date.

SUMMARY

This bill requires that nonprofit hospital and medical service organizations, health insurers and health maintenance organizations provide coverage for gynecological services performed by a nurse practitioner. The bill applies to all individual and group policies and contracts issued or renewed on or after January 1, 2000.