§ 23-85-140. Nonparticipation in maintenance of licensure or maintenance of certification — Insurer prohibited from denying reimbursement or discriminating in reimbursement levels — Definitions

(a) As used in this section:

1. (1) “Maintenance of certification” means any process requiring periodic recertification examinations or other activities to maintain specialty medical certification; and

2. (2) “Specialty medical board certification” means a certification by a board that:

   1. (A) Specializes in one (1) particular area of medicine; and

   2. (B) Typically requires examinations that are in addition to the requirements of the Arkansas State Medical Board to practice medicine.

(b) An insurer shall not:

1. (1) Deny reimbursement to or prevent a physician from participating in any provider network based solely on a decision of the physician not to participate in any form of maintenance of certification; or

2. (2) Discriminate with respect to reimbursement levels based solely on a decision of the physician not to participate in any form of maintenance of certification.