The Department of Health and Senior Services proposes the readoption with amendments, new rules and repeals, of N.J.A.C. 8:38A, which implements the provisions of the Health Care Quality Act (P.L. 1997, c. 192).

The Health Care Quality Act establishes standards for various classes of health insurance carriers which offer managed care plans or other health benefits plans with utilization management features.  Such carriers include insurers, health service corporations and health maintenance organizations.  Certain of the proposed amendments, new rules and repeals are prompted by changes in the law.  Others represent responses by the Department to changes in industry practice.  Still others reflect administrative changes within the Department such as those pertaining to Department structure and organization.

The proposal appears in the June 20, 2005 issue of the New Jersey Register.  The public has until August 19, 2005 to comment on the proposal.

Persons wishing to comment on the proposal must submit their comments in writing to Chanell McDevitt, Regulatory Officer, Office of Managed Care, New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services, P.O. Box 360, Trenton, New Jersey, 08625-0360.  Written comments must be postmarked on or before August 19, 2005, which is the close of the 60-day public comment period.

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