(a)  A plan that denies coverage to an enrollee with a terminal illness, which for the purposes of this section refers to an incurable or irreversible condition that has a high probability of causing death within one year or less, for treatment, services, or supplies deemed experimental, as recommended by a participating plan provider, shall provide to the enrollee within five business days all of the following information:

(1)  A statement setting forth the specific medical and scientific reasons for denying coverage.

(2)  A description of alternative treatment, services, or supplies covered by the plan, if any. Compliance with this subdivision by a plan shall not be construed to mean that the plan is engaging in the unlawful practice of medicine.

(3)  Copies of the plan’s grievance procedures or complaint form, or both. The complaint form shall provide an opportunity for the enrollee to request a conference as part of the plan’s grievance system provided under Section 1368.

(b)  Upon receiving a complaint form requesting a conference pursuant to paragraph (3) of subdivision (a), the plan shall provide the enrollee, within 30 calendar days, an opportunity to attend a conference, to review the information provided to the enrollee pursuant to paragraphs (1) and (2) of subdivision (a), conducted by a plan representative having authority to determine the disposition of the complaint. The plan shall allow attendance, in person, at the conference, by an enrollee, a designee of the enrollee, or both, or, if the enrollee is a minor or incompetent, the parent, guardian, or conservator of the enrollee, as appropriate. However, the conference required by this subdivision shall be held within five business days if the treating participating physician determines, after consultation with the health plan medical director or his or her designee, based on standard medical practice, that the effectiveness of either the proposed treatment, services, or supplies or any alternative treatment, services, or supplies covered by the plan, would be materially reduced if not provided at the earliest possible date.

(c)  Nothing in this section shall limit the responsibilities, rights, or authority provided in Sections 1370 and 1370.1.

(Added by Stats. 1994, Ch. 582, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 1995.)