1. (a) Notwithstanding Section 1301.051, an insurer may not withhold the designation of preferred provider to a podiatrist licensed by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation who:

   1. (1) joins the professional practice of a contracted preferred provider;
   2. (2) applies to the insurer for designation as a preferred provider; and
   3. (3) complies with the terms and conditions of eligibility to be a preferred provider.
2. (b) A podiatrist designated as a preferred provider under this section must comply with the terms of the preferred provider contract used by the insurer or the insurer's network provider.

Added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 728 (H.B. 2018), Sec. 11.035(a), eff. September 1, 2005.

Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 467 (H.B. 4170), Sec. 19.013, eff. September 1, 2019.