California Code, Insurance Code - INS § 10180

(1) “Reasonable consideration” means consideration in good faith of the terms of proposals for contracting prior to the time that contracts for alternative rates of payment are entered into or renewed. An insurer may specify the terms and conditions of contracting to assure cost efficiency, qualification of providers, appropriate utilization of services, accessibility, convenience to persons who would receive the provider's services, and consistency with its basic method of operation, but shall not exclude providers because of their category of license.

(2) “Professional provider” means a holder of a certificate or license under Division 2 (commencing with Section 500) of the Business and Professions Code, or any initiative act referred to therein, except for those certified or licensed pursuant to Article 3 of Chapter 5 (commencing with Section 2050) or Chapter 11 (commencing with Section 4800), who may, within the scope of their licenses, perform the services of a specific benefit defined in the insurer's policy.