Subdivision 1. Scope. For purposes of this chapter, the terms in this section have the meanings given.

Subd. 2. Health care purchasing alliance. "Health care purchasing alliance" means a business organization created under this chapter to negotiate the purchase of health care services for employers. Nothing in this chapter shall be deemed to regulate or impose any requirements on a self-insured employer or labor union. A health care purchasing alliance may include a grouping of:

(1) businesses, including small businesses with one employee. The businesses may or may not be organized under section 62Q.17 as a purchasing pool;

(2) trade association members or church organizations under section 60A.02 or union members who are not in a self-insured benefit plan;

(3) multiple employer welfare associations under chapter 62H;

(4) municipalities, townships, or counties;

(5) other government entities; or

(6) any combination of clauses (1) to (5).

The alliance may determine the definition of a business of one employee, but must adhere to its definition and show no bias in selection of members based on that definition.

Subd. 3. Accountable provider network. "Accountable provider network" means a group of health care providers organized to market health care services on a risk-sharing or non-risk-sharing basis with a health care purchasing alliance. Accountable provider networks shall operate as not-for-profit entities or as health care cooperatives, as allowed under chapter 62R. This chapter applies only when an accountable provider network is marketing and selling services and benefits to the employees of businesses as authorized in section 62T.05.

Subd. 4. Commissioner. "Commissioner" means the commissioner of health.

History: 1997 c 225 art 5 s 1