NY A02526

Authorizes health care providers to collectively negotiate non-fee contract terms with health care plans, including utilization review procedures, coverage provisions, medical necessity definitions, drug formularies, quality assurance programs, and provider selection criteria

Permits fee-related collective negotiations (reimbursement rates, capitation amounts, conversion factors) only when a health care plan holds "substantial market share" defined as exceeding 10% of covered lives or 25,000 lives in a geographic area

Requires health care providers' representatives to register with the Commissioner of Health, submit negotiation plans for approval, and obtain commissioner approval of any final agreements within 60 days

Establishes a dispute resolution process including commissioner-appointed mediators and fact-finding boards when negotiations reach an impasse or when a health care plan refuses to negotiate

Prohibits strikes by health care providers and bars representatives from negotiating agreements that limit any provider's scope of practice or participation based on their license or certification