N.Y. Insurance Law § 4306-b: Primary and preventive obstetric and gynecologic care

§ 4306-b. Primary and preventive obstetric and gynecologic care. (a)

No corporation subject to the provisions of this article shall by

contract, written policy or procedure limit a female subscriber'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

subscriber's primary care practitioner in accordance with the

requirements of the corporation; and (2) such qualified provider agrees

to adhere to the corporation'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 corporation.

(b) A corporation 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 corporation subject to the provisions of this article

to advise each female subscriber, in writing, of the provisions of this

section.