MN SF277

Establishes direct primary care service agreements as a new regulatory framework exempt from insurance licensing requirements under Minnesota Statutes chapter 62Q.20.

Defines direct primary care agreements as written contracts between a primary care provider (physician or advanced practice registered nurse) and a patient involving a direct fee for primary care services including routine healthcare, medical supplies, prescription drugs, and laboratory work.

Requires direct agreements to be in writing, specify monthly fees that cannot vary based on health status or sex, allow either party to terminate with written notice, and clearly state the agreement is not health insurance and does not satisfy federal health insurance mandates.

Prohibits direct practices from declining patients solely based on health status, submitting claims to health plans for services covered under direct agreements, and charging automatic renewal fees; restricts fee increases to annual basis with 60-day advance notice.

Establishes that violations constitute unprofessional conduct subject to disciplinary action under chapters 147 and 148 governing physicians and nurses.