From and after January 1, 1999, whenever any policy of insurance or any medical service plan or hospital service contract or hospital and medical service contract issued, delivered, administered, continued or renewed in this state provides for reimbursement for any service which is within the lawful scope of practice of a duly certified nurse practitioner as provided for by rules and regulations implemented by the Mississippi Board of Nursing under Section 73-15-5(2), the insured or other person entitled to benefits under such policy shall be entitled to reimbursement for such services, whether such services are performed by a duly licensed physician or by a duly certified nurse practitioner, notwithstanding any provision to the contrary in any statute or in such policy, plan or contract. Duly certified nurse practitioners shall be entitled to participate in such policies, plans or contracts providing for the services of nurse practitioners, as authorized by the rules and regulations implemented by the Mississippi Board of Nursing under Section 73-15-5(2). Reimbursement shall be based on services rendered by a duly certified nurse practitioner.
It is the intent of the Legislature by this section to provide for increased access of health delivery services to the underserved.