Arkansas 2025 Regular Session

Arkansas House Bill HB1321

Introduced
1/30/25  
Refer
1/30/25  
Report Pass
3/19/25  
Engrossed
3/20/25  
Refer
3/20/25  
Report Pass
4/1/25  
Enrolled
4/8/25  
Chaptered
4/10/25  

Caption

To Regulate Step Therapy And Fail First Protocols Concerning Certain Prescribed Ventilators.

Impact

The proposed legislation could significantly alter the relationship between healthcare providers, patients, and insurers by mandating direct access to noninvasive ventilators without preliminary trials of lesser treatments. This change is particularly crucial for patients whose health conditions require immediate and effective interventions. It would ensure that prescriptions for necessary equipment or services are not hindered by administrative protocols that could delay access to critical healthcare.

Summary

House Bill 1321 aims to regulate step therapy and fail first protocols specifically concerning noninvasive ventilators. The bill defines necessary terms such as 'healthcare insurer', 'health benefit plan', and 'healthcare professional' to establish a clear framework governing the insurance practices related to ventilator prescriptions. Importantly, it prohibits healthcare insurers from imposing step therapy protocols or fail first protocols if the required noninvasive ventilator is clinically justified, ensuring that patients receive the most effective treatment without unnecessary delays or complications.

Contention

Discussions surrounding HB 1321 may involve varying opinions from healthcare providers, insurers, and patient advocacy groups regarding the balance between cost-containment measures and patient care. Proponents of the bill argue for the necessity of providing timely access to appropriate medical devices, while opponents may raise concerns about potential impacts on insurance costs or the role of insurers in managing treatment protocols. Careful consideration of these viewpoints is essential in the legislative process to navigate the complexities of healthcare regulation.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

AR SB192

To Amend The Law Concerning Coverage Of Biosimlar Medical Products Under Step Therapy Protocols; And To Amend Exceptions To Step Therapy Protocols.

AR HB1312

To Establish The Transportation Benefit Manager Act; To Regulate Contracts Of Certain Ambulance Providers; And To Regulate Claims And Prior Authorization Procedures For Certain Ambulance Services.

AR HB1271

To Amend The Prior Authorization Transparency Act; And To Exempt Certain Healthcare Providers That Provide Certain Healthcare Services From Prior Authorization Requirements.

AR HB1276

To Exclude Antipsychotic Prescription Drugs From Step Therapy.

AR SB490

Concerning Coverage For Genetic Testing For Inherited Cancer Mutations; And To Create The Genetic Testing Act.

AR HB1261

To Enact The Arkansas Triage, Treat, And Transport To An Alternative Destination Act; And To Mandate Insurance Coverage For An Ambulance Service To Triage, Treat, And Transport A Patient To An Alternative Destination.

AR SB142

To Amend The Healthcare Contracting Simplification Act; And To Regulate Network Leasing Under The Healthcare Contracting Simplification Act.

AR HB1275

To Regulate Electronic Medical Records; And To Prohibit A Healthcare Payor That Has Electronic Access To Medical Records From Requesting Medical Records In A Different Format From A Healthcare Provider.

AR SB181

To Mandate Coverage For Use Of Intravenous Immunoglobulin To Treat Certain Pediatric Disorders Caused By Infections; And To Declare An Emergency.

AR HB1776

To Amend The Law Concerning Ground Ambulance Services; And To Establish A Minimum Allowable Reimbursement For Ground Ambulance Services.

Similar Bills

MS HB934

Healthcare Contracting Simplification Act; create.

MS HB803

Healthcare Contracting Simplification Act; create.

AR SB143

To Amend The Prior Authorization Transparency Act; And To Exempt Certain Healthcare Providers That Provide Certain Healthcare Services From Prior Authorization Requirements.

AR HB1271

To Amend The Prior Authorization Transparency Act; And To Exempt Certain Healthcare Providers That Provide Certain Healthcare Services From Prior Authorization Requirements.

KY HB200

AN ACT relating to the healthcare workforce, making an appropriation therefor, and declaring an emergency.

AR SB142

To Amend The Healthcare Contracting Simplification Act; And To Regulate Network Leasing Under The Healthcare Contracting Simplification Act.

AR HB1299

To Prohibit Healthcare Insurers From Exercising Recoupment For Payment Of Healthcare Services More Than One Year After The Payment For Healthcare Services Was Made.

LA SB29

Prohibits discrimination against healthcare professionals and provides for protection of healthcare professional credentials. (8/1/22)