(a) For provider contracts issued, amended, or renewed on and after January 1, 2023, a health care service plan that provides coverage for mental health and substance use disorders and that credentials health care providers of those services for its networks shall assess and verify the qualifications of a health care provider within 60 days after receiving a completed provider credentialing application. Upon receipt of the application by the credentialing department, the health care service plan shall notify the applicant within seven business days, to verify receipt and inform the applicant whether the application is complete. The 60-day timeline shall apply only to the credentialing process and does not include contracting completion.
(b) For the purposes of this section, “mental health and substance use disorder” and “health care provider” have the same meanings as defined in Section 1374.72.