(a) Every individual or group policy or contract delivered, issued for delivery, or renewed by a health maintenance organization in this state shall, when deemed medically necessary by the health maintenance organization in accordance with its standard medical management protocols as approved by the health department and within the contractual benefit limits, provide coverage for the services of counselors in mental health licensed pursuant to § 5-63.2-9 and therapists in marriage and family practice licensed pursuant to § 5-63.2-10.
(b) It shall remain within the sole discretion of the health maintenance organization as to which certified counselors in mental health and certified therapists in marriage and family practice it shall contract with. Nothing contained in this section shall require the health maintenance organization to provide coverage other than in conjunction with a related medical illness.