(a) When sponsoring a preferred provider benefit plan, an insurer shall immediately notify each practitioner in the plan's service area of the insurer's intent to offer the plan and of the opportunity to participate. The notification must be made by publication or in writing to each practitioner.
(b) After establishing a preferred provider benefit plan, an insurer shall annually provide notice of and an opportunity to participate in the plan to practitioners in the plan's service area who do not participate in the plan.
(c) On request, an insurer shall provide to any physician or health care provider information concerning the application process and qualification requirements for participation as a preferred provider in the plan.