MD SB808

Carriers must respond to provider panel applications within 5 days (reduced from 30 days) and complete credentialing decisions within 30 days (reduced from 120 days), with a $500 per day civil penalty for failing to provide required notices

Carriers must allow providers to submit credentialing applications through the online credentialing system, establish dedicated phone numbers and email addresses for credentialing inquiries (separate from general customer service), and respond to inquiries within 2 business days

Carriers are prohibited from charging application fees and must use the online credentialing system as the primary source to create and update provider directories, with updates required at least every 15 days

Carriers may not limit the number of credentialed providers at federally qualified health centers, local health departments, school-based health centers, and other essential community providers (expanded from only behavioral health providers at health care facilities)

Providers with immunity under the Federal Tort Claims Act or Maryland Tort Claims Act are added as eligible for reimbursement at participating provider rates while their credentialing application is pending