NY A08052

Eliminates the distinction between contract termination and non-renewal for health care professionals, requiring health care plans and insurers to provide written explanations and hearing opportunities for both termination and non-renewal decisions

Restructures hearing panels from being appointed entirely by the health care plan/insurer to a balanced three-member panel: one member appointed by the plan/insurer, one by the health care professional, and one chosen jointly by the other two members

Requires all hearing panel members to be health care professionals licensed in New York in the same profession as the professional under review, with at least one clinical peer in the same discipline and specialty

Maintains existing protections prohibiting termination or non-renewal solely for advocating on behalf of patients, filing complaints, appealing decisions, or requesting hearings

Preserves the 60-day minimum notice period before termination or non-renewal can become effective, with at least 30 days provided to request a hearing