A purchasing alliance that has a minimum of 3,000 enrollees may elect to obtain certification from the commissioner as a qualified purchasing alliance. To obtain certification, a purchasing alliance shall demonstrate:

1. I. Either that membership in the alliance is open to all employers without discrimination or that the alliance has established membership criteria that limit membership in the alliance to employers that are members of or affiliated with an association, trade group, or other entity that has been in existence for at least 10 years and was established and maintained for purposes other than the provision of health coverage; and

2. II. That the health benefit plan or plans offered to its members and the provider payment policies associated with those plans will promote more cost effective use of health care services by providing a better alignment of financial incentives with:

   1. (a) Health care quality improvement and efficiency; and
   2. (b) Health promotion and disease prevention.

Source. 2010, 346:1. 2011, 155:2, eff. Aug. 7, 2011.