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SD 1627

An Act ensuring transparency in the practice of dental leased networks

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Brendan Crighton

SD 1627 - An Act ensuring transparency in the practice of dental leased networks OverviewBill Number: SD 1627 Title: An Act ensuring transparency in the practice of dental leased

House concurred
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Bill Summary · SD 1627

SD 1627 - An Act ensuring transparency in the practice of dental leased networks

Overview

Bill Number: SD 1627
Title: An Act ensuring transparency in the practice of dental leased networks
Status: House concurred
Introduced: February 27, 2025

Purpose and Intent

The primary goal of this bill is to increase transparency and consumer protections within the practice of dental leased networks. Dental leased networks, also known as "rental networks," allow dental insurance providers to contract with third-party network administrators to build and manage provider networks. This bill aims to address concerns that these arrangements can lead to hidden fees, limited provider choice, and unexpected out-of-pocket costs for patients.

Key Provisions

  • Requires dental insurance providers and network administrators to disclose all fees, commissions, and other financial arrangements related to leased dental networks
  • Prohibits "gag clauses" that prevent dentists from discussing leased network fees and contract terms with patients
  • Mandates that patients be provided with a list of in-network dentists, including which network(s) each dentist participates in
  • Gives patients the right to see an out-of-network dentist without incurring higher out-of-pocket costs, if there are no in-network dentists available within a reasonable distance
  • Establishes fines and other penalties for insurance providers and network administrators who violate the transparency requirements

Affected Parties and Impacts

This bill would primarily impact dental insurance policyholders, who would benefit from increased transparency and consumer protections related to leased dental networks. Dentists would also be affected, as they would be able to more openly discuss network fees and contract terms with patients. Dental insurance providers and network administrators would need to comply with the new disclosure and transparency requirements.

Procedural and Timeline Considerations

The bill has passed the state Senate and is currently under consideration in the House. If the House concurs with the Senate version, the bill will be sent to the Governor for signature. If signed into law, the transparency requirements would take effect 6 months after the bill's enactment date.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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