§ 58‑65‑1.1.  Definitions applicable to this Article.

The following definitions apply in this Article:

(1) Dental service plan. – A contract for the provision of, or the payment of fees for, dental care or dental services, including any other professional services authorized or permitted to be provided by a duly licensed dentist.

(2) Full‑service corporation. – Any corporation organized under the provisions of this Article that offers a medical service plan or a health care service plan.

(3) Health care service plan. – Any contract for the provision of, or the payment of fees for, hospital care, laboratory facilities, X‑ray facilities, drugs, health care appliances, anesthesia, nursing care, operating and obstetrical equipment, or health care accommodations, including any other services permitted to be provided by a hospital under the laws of this State and approved by the North Carolina Hospital Association or the American Medical Association.

(4) Hospital service corporation. – Any nonprofit corporation that operates one or any combination of the following:

a. Dental service plan.

b. Health care service plan.

c. Medical service plan.

d. Vision service plan.

(5) Medical service plan. – Any contract for the furnishing of, or the payment of fees for, any of the following:

a. Medical, obstetrical, surgical, or any other professional services authorized or permitted to be provided by a duly licensed physician or other provider listed in G.S. 58‑50‑30.

b. Professional medical services authorized or permitted to be provided by a health care provider licensed under Chapter 90 of the General Statutes.

(6) Preferred provider. – A health care provider who has agreed to accept, from a corporation organized for the purposes authorized by this Article, special reimbursement terms in exchange for providing services to beneficiaries of a plan administered pursuant to this Article.

(7) Single‑service corporation. – Any corporation organized under the provisions of this Article that offers any of the following:

a. Only a dental service plan.

b. Only a vision service plan.

c. Both a dental service plan and a vision service plan, but no other plans.

(8) Vision service plan. – Any contract for the provision of, or the payment of fees for, vision care or vision services, including any other professional services permitted to be provided by a duly licensed optometrist or ophthalmologist. (2021‑169, s. 1.)