If a health plan company has initially credentialed, as providers in its provider network, individual providers employed by or under contract with an entity that:

1. (1) is authorized to bill under section 256B.0625, subdivision 5;
2. (2) meets the requirements of Minnesota Rules, parts 9520.0750 to 9520.0870;
3. (3) is designated an essential community provider under section 62Q.19; and

4. (4) is under contract with the health plan company to provide mental health services, the health plan company must continue to credential at least the same number of providers from that entity, as long as those providers meet the health plan company's credentialing standards.

   A health plan company shall not refuse to credential these providers on the grounds that their provider network has a sufficient number of providers of that type.