Arkansas 2023 Regular Session

Arkansas House Bill HB1274

Introduced
1/26/23  
Refer
1/26/23  
Report Pass
3/15/23  
Engrossed
3/27/23  
Refer
3/27/23  
Report Pass
3/31/23  
Enrolled
4/5/23  
Chaptered
4/10/23  

Caption

To Modify The Prior Authorization Transparency Act; And To Amend The Appeal Process For A Denial Under The Prior Authorization Transparency Act.

Impact

The modifications proposed by HB1274 are designed to streamline healthcare delivery by ensuring that patients and healthcare providers can quickly address denied prior authorizations. The bill mandates that utilization review entities must respond to appeals within specified timeframes, thereby reducing potentially harmful delays in care. This legislative change is significant as it strengthens patient rights and ensures that decisions are made in a timely manner, which is crucial for those awaiting treatments, particularly for chronic and serious conditions such as cancers or hematological diseases, as highlighted in the bill.

Summary

House Bill 1274 modifies the Prior Authorization Transparency Act by amending the appeal process for denial of prior authorizations in healthcare services. The bill aims to enhance transparency in the prior authorization process, specifically for nonurgent and urgent healthcare services, while defining the role of utilization review entities, which include third-party healthcare administrators. By instituting clearer timelines for decision-making following appeals, the bill intends to expedite access to necessary medical services that may face administrative hurdles in the approval process.

Sentiment

Overall, the sentiment surrounding HB1274 is positive, particularly among healthcare advocates and providers who view it as a necessary step towards improving patient access to healthcare. Supporters appreciate the increased transparency and the emphasis on timely decisions regarding prior authorizations, believing this will alleviate some burdens faced by patients. However, there may be concerns from insurance companies and some utilization review entities about the operational implications of the new timelines and processes established by the bill.

Contention

Despite the generally favorable view of the bill, there are concerns regarding the implications for utilization review entities, which may argue that the mandated timelines could impede their ability to conduct thorough reviews and lead to increased administrative burdens. Additionally, debates have emerged about the appropriateness of state intervention in insurance processes, with apprehensions that these regulatory changes might affect the balance between oversight and flexibility within the healthcare industry. The bill reflects ongoing discussions about how to effectively manage healthcare costs while ensuring patient rights are prioritized.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

AR SR16

To Authorize The Introduction Of A Nonappropriation Bill To Amend The Arkansas Data Centers Act Of 2023 And To Amend The Requirements For A Digital Asset Mining Business Or Business Using A Blockchain Network.

AR HR1015

To Authorize The Introduction Of A Nonappropriation Bill To Amend The Arkansas Data Centers Act Of 2023 And To Amend The Requirements For A Digital Asset Mining Business Or Business Using A Blockchain Network.

AR HB1016

An Act For The Arkansas Court Of Appeals Appropriation For The 2024-2025 Fiscal Year.

AR SB79

To Amend The Arkansas Data Centers Act Of 2023; To Provide For The Regulation Of Digital Asset Mining Businesses; And To Declare An Emergency.

AR HR1020

To Authorize The Introduction Of A Nonappropriation Bill To Amend The Arkansas Data Centers Acts Of 2023, To Regulate Digital Asset Mining Businesses And Businesses Utilizing A Blockchain Network, And To Declare An Emergency.

AR SR17

To Authorize The Introduction Of A Nonappropriation Bill To Amend The Arkansas Data Centers Acts Of 2023, To Regulate Digital Asset Mining Businesses And Businesses Utilizing A Blockchain Network, And To Declare An Emergency.

AR SR10

To Authorize The Introduction Of A Nonappropriation Bill To Amend The Uniform Classification And Compensation Act.

AR HR1013

To Authorize The Introduction Of A Nonappropriation Bill To Amend The Uniform Classification And Compensation Act.

AR SB51

An Act For The University Of Arkansas For Medical Sciences Appropriation For The 2024-2025 Fiscal Year.

AR HB1074

An Act For The Department Of Human Services - Secretary's Office Appropriation For The 2024-2025 Fiscal Year.

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)