420-J:7-f Public Hearing Regarding Termination of Provider Contract; When Authorized. –
I. The commissioner may, in the commissioner's discretion, hold a public hearing within 15 business days after receiving notice that a health carrier intends to terminate a contract with a provider when such termination will affect 1,000 or more covered persons. Any hearing held pursuant to this section shall be informational in nature and shall not constitute approval, disapproval, or review of the contract termination. The purpose of the hearing shall be limited to receiving information and testimony regarding the potential effect of the contract termination on access to care in the affected community, including access to quality and affordable physical and mental health care services.
II. Nothing in this section shall be construed to authorize the commissioner to require continuation, modification, or renegotiation of a provider contract.
III. For purposes of this section, a health carrier's obligation to notify the commissioner of a provider contract termination shall be satisfied in accordance with existing notice requirements under this chapter.