Third-Party Network Agreements for Dental Services

Carriers must obtain a signed 'affirmative consent' from a dental provider before entering into an agreement that allows a third party to access that provider's services and discounts.

Carriers must provide a written list of all third parties accessing a specific dentist's services to that dentist at the time of contract entry, renewal, or modification.

Carriers must maintain a website updated every 90 days listing all third parties that have access to a participating provider's services.

Carriers must notify dentists at least 30 days before a new third-party agreement takes effect or before terminating a contract with a dentist.

Carriers are prohibited from canceling a contract with a dentist solely because the dentist refuses to allow a third party to access their services.

Third parties must identify the source of any contractual discounts on payment remittances sent to the dentist.

If a dentist consents to a third-party agreement, the carrier must allow the dentist the option to contract directly with the third party instead.

New definitions were added for 'Affirmative Consent' (requiring a signature) and 'Third-Party Network Lease Agreement' to clarify the prohibited practice.

Updated the bill's revision status from 'Revised' to 'Rerevised' and added a timestamp indicating the Senate 3rd Reading was unamended on March 25, 2026.

Updated the bill's version header from 'Reengrossed' to 'Revised' and changed the summary date reference to reflect Senate adoption.

Added '2nd Reading Unamended' status labels with specific dates to the bill text.

Adjusted the committee assignment list to include 'Health & Human Services' for both House and Senate.

Deleted a provision prohibiting carriers from refusing to contract with dental providers who do not consent to allowing third parties to access their services and discounts.

Deleted the specific language defining what constitutes affirmative consent for third-party access through network lease agreements.

Updated the document header from 'Engrossed' to 'Reengrossed' and adjusted the legislative summary date to reflect amendments adopted in the House of Introduction.

Deleted a provision requiring insurance carriers to give dental providers the option of contracting directly with third parties instead of using a network lease agreement.

Updated the bill header to reflect its 'Engrossed' status and included the date of the Second Reading amendment.

Adjusted page numbering and formatting markers to align with the new legislative version.