Sec 20-827. Participating health care professionals; definition

A. A corporation holding a certificate of authority under this article may enter into contracts only with licensed hospitals approved for participation by the board of directors of the corporation, and with physicians, surgeons, dentists, optometrists, certified registered nurses, registered nurse practitioners, psychologists and chiropractors duly licensed and qualified to practice in this state, and may enter into contracts of participation with any hospital maintained and operated by this state or any political subdivision of this state.

B. A person subject to this article shall not:

1. Restrict or prohibit, by means of a policy or contract, whether written or otherwise, a licensed health care professional's good faith communication with the health care professional's patient concerning the patient's health care or medical needs, treatment options, health care risks or benefits.

2. Terminate a contract with or refuse to renew a contract with a health care professional solely because the professional in good faith does any of the following:

(a) Advocates in private or in public on behalf of a patient.

(b) Assists a patient in seeking reconsideration of a decision made by the person to deny coverage for a health care service.

(c) Reports a violation of law to an appropriate authority.

C. For the purposes of this section, "health care professional" has the same meaning prescribed in section 20-3151.