Benefits shall not be denied under a contract for any health care service performed by a holder of a license issued under chapter 18.22 RCW if (1) the service performed was within the lawful scope of the person's license, and (2) the contract would have provided benefits if the service had been performed by a holder of a license issued under chapter 18.71 RCW. There shall not be imposed upon one class of doctors providing health care services as defined by this chapter any requirement that is not imposed upon all other doctors providing the same or similar health care services within the scope of their license.

The provisions of this section are intended to be procedural to the extent that they do not impair the obligation of any existing contract.

Severability—1983 c 154: See note following RCW 48.44.299.