KRS 304.17A-173: Reimbursement for services within scope of practice of optometrists --

Terms and conditions.

(1) Any insurer issuing or renewing a health benefit plan issued or renewed on or after

July 12, 2006, which provides coverage for services rendered by a physici an or

osteopath duly licensed under KRS Chapter 311 that are within the scope of practice

of an optometrist duly licensed under the provisions of KRS Chapter 320 shall

provide the same reimbursement for services to optometrists as allowed for those

services rendered by physicians or osteopaths.

(2) An insurer shall not require an optometrist to meet terms and conditions that are not

required of a physician or osteopath as a condition for participation in its provider

network for the provision of services th at are within the scope of practice of an

optometrist.

(3) The provisions of subsections (1) and (2) of this section shall also apply to any

agreements an insurer enters into to provide services covered under the health

benefit plan.

(4) An insurer shall n ot require an optometrist, physician, or osteopath to contract with

a vision care plan licensed under Subtitle 17C of KRS Chapter 304 as a condition

for participation in the health care network of the insurer to provide covered

medical services to its enrollees.