# Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 176I, sec. 4: Discriminatory refusal of provider

> Massachusetts · Statutes · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PI_TXXII_C176I_S4

## Section

- **Citation:** Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 176I, sec. 4
- **Heading:** Discriminatory refusal of provider
- **Jurisdiction:** Massachusetts
- **Kind:** Statutes
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** MA Code / Part I / Title XXII / Chapter 176I / Section 4

## Text

Section 4. An organization shall not refuse to enter into a preferred provider arrangement with a health care provider on the basis of religion, race, color, national origin, age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, or such provider's relationships with any other organization. The selection of preferred providers shall be based primarily on cost, availability and quality of covered services. The terms and conditions offered by an organization that must be met or agreed to by physicians and other professional providers of health care services desiring to enter into a preferred provider arrangement shall be subject to the disapproval of the commissioner if said terms and conditions are not consistent with the purposes, policies and provisions of this chapter.

Section 4. An organization shall not refuse to enter into a preferred provider arrangement with a health care provider on the basis of religion, race, color, national origin, age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, or such provider's relationships with any other organization. The selection of preferred providers shall be based primarily on cost, availability and quality of covered services. The terms and conditions offered by an organization that must be met or agreed to by physicians and other professional providers of health care services desiring to enter into a preferred provider arrangement shall be subject to the disapproval of the commissioner if said terms and conditions are not consistent with the purposes, policies and provisions of this chapter.

## Nearby sections

- [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 176I, sec. 1 Definitions](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PI_TXXII_C176I_S1.md)
- [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 176I, sec. 2 Proposed preferred provider arrangements; requirements upon receipt of completed forms for reimbursement](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PI_TXXII_C176I_S2.md)
- [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 176I, sec. 3 Health benefit plans; minimum requirements](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PI_TXXII_C176I_S3.md)
- [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 176I, sec. 3A Workers' compensation medical services organizations; minimum requirements](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PI_TXXII_C176I_S3A.md)
- [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 176I, sec. 4 Discriminatory refusal of provider](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PI_TXXII_C176I_S4.md)
- [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 176I, sec. 4A Health benefit plans; genetic tests; discrimination based on genetic information](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PI_TXXII_C176I_S4A.md)
- [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 176I, sec. 5 Financial and utilization records](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PI_TXXII_C176I_S5.md)
- [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 176I, sec. 6 Surety bond, reinsurance or other financial resources](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PI_TXXII_C176I_S6.md)
- [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 176I, sec. 7 Report](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PI_TXXII_C176I_S7.md)
- [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 176I, sec. 8 Powers of commissioner; standardized claim form](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PI_TXXII_C176I_S8.md)
- [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 176I, sec. 9 Application of laws](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PI_TXXII_C176I_S9.md)
- [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 176I, sec. 10 Applications](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PI_TXXII_C176I_S10.md)
- [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 176I, sec. 11 Annual assessment](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PI_TXXII_C176I_S11.md)
- [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 176I, sec. 12 Coverage for children under age 18 for cleft lip and cleft palate](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PI_TXXII_C176I_S12.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PI_TXXII_C176I_S4. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.