AZ SB1228

Requires health insurers to grant provisional credentialing to healthcare providers starting on the date a complete credentialing application is received, provided the provider is licensed in good standing, has been credentialed by a medical staff office or credentialing verification organization, and has joined a group practice with an existing insurer contract.

Mandates health insurers pay all claims submitted by provisionally credentialed providers at the rates established in the existing contract between the insurer and the group practice or health care institution.

Provisional credentialing remains in effect until the insurer approves or denies the application, or for 60 days after submission, whichever comes first.

Prohibits insurers from recovering payments made during the provisional credentialing period if the application is later denied, unless the claims were fraudulent.

Applies to credentialing applications submitted after December 31, 2026.