HB1426

House Bill 1426 amends the Healthcare Contracting Simplification Act in Arkansas by expanding the definition of a 'healthcare insurer' to include third-party administrators and entities acting on behalf of self-insured health benefit plans. The bill clarifies and strengthens prohibitions against 'all-products clauses,' which force providers to participate in multiple insurance plans offered by a carrier. Furthermore, it strictly regulates the leasing, renting, or selling of healthcare provider networks to other entities, establishing that violations constitute an unfair trade practice. It mandates specific notification and opt-out procedures for providers when a network lease is proposed, unless the arrangement is between affiliates or licensees of the same brand. Finally, the bill includes a new provision stating that the requirements of this subchapter cannot be waived by contract, rendering any such attempts void.