[§432D-34]  Services provided by participating registered pharmacists; coverage.  (a)  Each health maintenance organization policy, contract, plan, or agreement that is issued, amended, or renewed in the State on or after July 1, 2026, shall:

     (1)  Recognize pharmacists licensed pursuant to chapter 461 as participating providers;

     (2)  Provide coverage for a service provided by a participating registered pharmacist practicing within the scope of the participating registered pharmacist's license for purposes of health maintenance or treatment to the extent that the plan contract provides coverage for the same service rendered by another health care provider; and

     (3)  Pay or reimburse a pharmacist or pharmacy for the cost of a service provided by a pharmacist within the scope of the pharmacist's practice.

     (b)  For the purposes of this section, "participating registered pharmacist" means a registered pharmacist licensed pursuant to chapter 461 who has contracted with the health maintenance organization to provide health care services to its enrollees or subscribers. [L 2025, c 220, §4]