1. (a) An HMO may not, as a condition of a contract with a physician or provider, or in any other manner, prohibit, attempt to prohibit, or discourage a physician or provider from discussing with or communicating to a current, prospective, or former patient, or a party designated by a patient, with respect to:

   1. (1) information or opinions regarding the patient's health care, including the patient's medical condition or treatment options;
   2. (2) information or opinions regarding the provisions, terms, requirements, or services of the health care plan as they relate to the medical needs of the patient;
   3. (3) the fact that the physician's or provider's contract with the HMO has terminated or that the physician or provider will otherwise no longer be providing medical care or health care services under the health care plan; or
   4. (4) the fact that, if medically necessary covered services are not available through network physicians or providers, the HMO must, upon the request of a network physician or provider and, within time appropriate to the circumstances relating to the delivery of the services and the condition of the patient, but in no event to exceed five business days after receipt of reasonably requested documentation, allow referral to a non-network physician or provider.
2. (b) An HMO may not in any way penalize, terminate, or refuse to compensate, for covered services, a physician or provider for communicating with a current, prospective, or former patient, or a party designated by a patient, in any way protected by this section.

Source Note:The provisions of this §11.903 adopted to be effective November 2, 1998, 23 TexReg 11347.