Opinion ID: 2353693
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 6

Heading: Reference to

Text: A law references an ERISA plan when it acts immediately and exclusively upon ERISA plans or where the existence of ERISA plans is essential to the law's operation. Dillingham, 519 U.S. at 324-25, 117 S.Ct. 832. We look to the statutory language and the operation of the statute to determine whether a state law is preempted by ERISA section 514(a)'s reference to prong. Initially, we observe, and the parties do not contend otherwise, that ERISA section 514(a)'s reference to analysis is not applicable in this case. NRS 695G.180 requires that all MCOs create a quality assurance program. The application of this statute, and relevant regulations, is not predicated on the existence of an ERISA plan. NRS 695G.180. It applies to all MCOs that are authorized to provide health care services through managed care, regardless of whether it has ERISA status or has any relationship with an ERISA plan. Therefore, Nevada's quality assurance laws and regulations are not preempted by ERISA section 514's reference to prong of preemption analysis.