health insurers; provisional provider credentialing

SB 1228 requires Arizona health insurers to grant provisional credentialing to eligible healthcare providers starting when they receive a complete application. Providers must be state-licensed, already credentialed by a healthcare institution or verification organization, and part of a group with an existing insurer contract. During the 60-day provisional period, insurers must pay claims at the group practice's contracted rates. If credentialing is denied, insurers aren't liable for claims provided during provisional status (except for fraud), and the law applies to applications submitted after December 31, 2026.