H.F. 1126 Summary

• Direct primary care service agreements are exempted from insurance regulation and do not require health care providers to obtain insurance licenses or certificates of authority under Minnesota Statutes chapters 60A, 62C, 62D, or 62N.

• Direct primary care agreements must be written contracts between a provider and patient specifying the scope of services, monthly fee, duration, and clearly stating the arrangement is not health insurance.

• Primary care providers (physicians or advanced practice registered nurses) may charge a direct fee for routine care, medical supplies, prescription drugs, and laboratory work administered in their office.

• Direct practices cannot discriminate in patient acceptance based solely on health status and must provide 60 days' notice before increasing monthly fees; patients may terminate agreements at any time with written notice.

• Violations of direct primary care requirements constitute unprofessional conduct subject to disciplinary action under chapters 147 and 148.