N.Y. Insurance Law § 3217-c: Primary and preventive obstetric and gynecologic care

§ 3217-c. Primary and preventive obstetric and gynecologic care. (a)

No insurer subject to this article shall by contract, written policy or

procedure limit a female insured's direct access to primary and

preventive obstetric and gynecologic services, including annual

examinations, care resulting from such annual examinations, and

treatment of acute gynecologic conditions, from a qualified provider of

such services of her choice from within the plan or for any care related

to a pregnancy, provided that: (1) such qualified provider discusses

such services and treatment plan with the insured's primary care

practitioner in accordance with the requirements of the insurer; and (2)

such qualified provider agrees to adhere to the insurer's policies and

procedures, including any applicable procedures regarding referrals and

obtaining prior authorization for services other than obstetric and

gynecologic services rendered by such qualified provider, and agrees to

provide services pursuant to a treatment plan (if any) approved by the

insurer.

(b) An insurer shall treat the provision of obstetric and gynecologic

care, and the ordering of related obstetric and gynecologic items and

services, pursuant to the direct access described in subsection (a) of

this section by a participating qualified provider of such services, as

the authorization of the primary care provider.

(c) It shall be the duty of the administrative officer or other person

in charge of each insurer subject to the provisions of this article to

advise each female insured, in writing, of the provisions of this

section.