(a) Except as provided by Subsection (b), a managed care plan issuer may not differentiate between physicians based on a physician’s maintenance of certification in regard to:
(1) paying the physician;
(2) reimbursing the physician; or
(3) directly or indirectly contracting with the physician to provide services to enrollees.
(b) A managed care plan issuer may differentiate between physicians based on a physician’s maintenance of certification only if the designation under law or certification or accreditation by a national certifying or accrediting organization of an entity described by Section 151.0515(a), Occupations Code, is contingent on the entity requiring a specific maintenance of certification by physicians seeking staff privileges or credentialing at the entity.