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Committee passes 'Ghostbusters' bill to tackle inaccurate provider directories; sponsors, providers and insurers call for further work
Summary
The committee passed HB71 (first substitute) 11–2 to require improved provider-directory accuracy, single‑case agreements when enrollees cannot find in‑network care, and a study/work group to explore a centralized master directory; providers warned citations could harm clinicians and urged safeguards.
The Health and Human Services Standing Committee gave a favorable recommendation to HB71 (first substitute), legislation sponsored by Representative Lisonbee intended to reduce inaccurate insurer provider directories and improve access to behavioral‑health care.
Representative Lisonbee described recent work on the bill and cited a legislative audit by the Office of the Legislative Auditor General (OLAG) that found directory inaccuracies affecting an estimated 69% of providers sampled. He said the bill would add incentives and, after repeated failures to respond to directory‑update requests, permit issuance of citations (instead of immediate licensure penalties) and would require…
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