The Maryland Insurance Administration (MIA) has released Bulletin 26-20, announcing the provisional designation of DataSpring as Maryland’s uniform provider credentialing application and the designated provider directory information system for carriers regulated by the MIA.
This bulletin is particularly relevant for providers who are currently credentialed with—or seeking credentialing from—health plans under the jurisdiction of the Maryland Insurance Administration. It may be of particular interest to pediatric and early intervention providers participating in these networks.
The designation follows changes affecting the Council for Affordable Quality Healthcare (CAQH). Because CAQH no longer operates as a nonprofit organization, the Commissioner was required to issue an updated designation pursuant to § 15-112.3 of the Maryland Insurance Article regarding the Uniform Credentialing Form and Multi-Carrier Common Online Provider Directory Information System.
Provisional Designation of DataSpring as the Uniform Credentialing Application
The Commissioner determined that DataSpring’s provider credentialing application satisfies the statutory requirements, with the exception of establishing the required stakeholder workgroup. As a result, DataSpring has been provisionally designated as Maryland’s uniform provider credentialing application.
Health carriers may immediately begin accepting DataSpring credentialing applications to comply with Maryland laws requiring use of the uniform provider credentialing form. Upon establishment of the required stakeholder workgroup, the Commissioner may grant DataSpring full designation.
Designation of DataSpring as the Provider Directory Information System
The Commissioner has also officially designated DataSpring as the system providers may use to submit and maintain provider directory information with participating carriers.
Effective September 1, 2026, carriers regulated by the Maryland Insurance Administration must accept new and updated provider directory information submitted through DataSpring or directly from providers.
Members who credential with Maryland health plans regulated by the MIA should review the bulletin to understand these changes and determine whether updates to their credentialing and provider directory processes are needed.
