BULLETIN NO. 11-2023
| To: | All Health Insurance Companies, HMOs, and Other Interested Parties |
| Re: | New Legislative Changes to 36 O.S. § 1250.5(10) for Mental Health Parity (SB 557) |
| From: | Glen Mulready, Insurance Commissioner |
| Date: | September 5, 2023 |
Effective November 1, 2023, Senate Bill 557 amends 36 O.S. § 1250.5(10) to assist with mental health parity and denials of mental health and substance use disorder claims. The new law requires that in the event any claim for mental health or substance use disorder treatments and services are under review, the reviewing health care provider shall have appropriate, qualified, and specialized credentials with respect to the services and treatments.
The Bill also clarifies these review requirements apply to mental health and substance use disorder treatments and services provided by any person or entity licensed or otherwise authorized to provide health care services, not just treating physicians and hospitals.
Regulated entities can direct inquiries regarding this bulletin to Nicole Nash, Oklahoma Insurance Department Deputy General Counsel, at Nicole.Nash@oid.ok.gov and Landon Hubbart, Chief of Market Regulation, at Landon.Hubbart@oid.ok.gov.