Section 1367.64.

(a)  Every individual or group health care service plan contract, except for a specialized health care service plan contract, that is issued, amended, or renewed on or after January 1, 1999, shall be deemed to provide coverage for the screening and diagnosis of prostate cancer, including, but not limited to, prostate-specific antigen testing and digital rectal examinations, when medically necessary and consistent with good professional practice.

(b)  Nothing in this section shall be construed to establish a new mandated benefit or to prevent application of deductible or copayment provisions in a policy or plan, nor shall this section be construed to require that a policy or plan be extended to cover any other procedures under an individual or a group health care service plan contract. Nothing in this section shall be construed to authorize an enrollee to receive the services required to be covered by this section if those services are furnished by a nonparticipating provider, unless the enrollee is referred to that provider by a participating physician or nurse practitioner providing care.

(Added by Stats. 1998, Ch. 839, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 1999.)