HB 3279 Summary

• Amends credentialing requirements in 36 O.S. 2011, Section 4405.1 to expand the definition of entities requiring credentialing to include mental health and substance abuse agencies and programs, such as alcohol and drug treatment programs, community mental health centers, and crisis centers certified by the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services.

• Requires health benefit plans to provide credentialing and recredentialing for these mental health and substance abuse agencies and programs using the same criteria and processes already applied to physicians and other health care providers.

• Updates 63 O.S. 2011, Section 1-106.2 to require the State Board of Health to develop a uniform credentialing application that includes mental health and substance abuse agencies and programs by January 1, 2015.

• Maintains existing credentialing timelines and procedures, including 45-day limits for clean applications and 180-day maximum total processing times, applicable to the newly included agencies and programs.

• Takes effect November 1, 2014.