Arkansas 2025 Regular Session

Arkansas House Bill HB1300

Introduced
1/29/25  
Refer
1/29/25  
Report Pass
3/12/25  
Engrossed
3/17/25  
Refer
3/17/25  
Report Pass
4/1/25  
Enrolled
4/4/25  
Chaptered
4/10/25  

Caption

To Amend The Prior Authorization Transparency Act.

Impact

The bill establishes a 'Prior Authorization Transparency Act Trust Fund' which will receive fines collected from insurers that fail to comply with disclosure and authorization requirements. Funds will primarily be directed towards educating healthcare providers and ensuring the State Insurance Department can better assess compliance with the Prior Authorization Transparency Act. This is expected to promote accountability and improve the overall efficiency of the healthcare authorization system, benefiting patients who rely on timely access to care.

Summary

House Bill 1300 proposes amendments to the existing Prior Authorization Transparency Act aimed at enhancing the regulations surrounding prior authorization processes for healthcare services. The bill introduces a refined definition of 'prior authorization' and mandates that healthcare insurers and utilization review entities be more transparent about their requirement criteria. This transparency is intended to support healthcare providers and patients in navigating the complexities of obtaining necessary medical services without unnecessary barriers.

Contention

While proponents of HB1300 argue that these changes will protect consumers and providers by making the authorization process more straightforward, there are concerns from some stakeholders about the potential for increased administrative burdens on insurers. Critics argue that the bill might lead to conflicts between healthcare providers and insurers over compliance interpretations, possibly delaying care, which contradicts its intended purpose. Furthermore, there is apprehension regarding the enforcement mechanisms stipulated in the bill, particularly concerning the civil fines for non-compliance which could disproportionately impact smaller healthcare entities.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

AR HB1274

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

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 SB143

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

AR SB141

To Amend The Prior Authorization Transparency Act; And To Clarify That A Healthcare Insurer From Out Of State Is Subject To The Prior Authorization Transparency Act If That Healthcare Insurer Has Subscribers In This State.

AR HB1558

To Amend The Prior Authorization Transparency Act; And To Modify The Medication-assisted Treatment Under The Prior Authorization Transparency Act.

AR SB148

To Amend The Prior Authorization Transparency Act.

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 HB1121

Concerning Coverage For Biomarker Testing For Early Detection And Management For Cancer Diagnoses.

AR HB1007

To Authorize Pharmacists To Dispense Hiv Preexposure And Postexposure Prophylaxis.

AR HB1399

To Amend The Law Regarding Publication Requirements For Counties And Municipalities; To Amend The Law Concerning Elections; And To Amend The Law Concerning Tax Delinquency Lists.

Similar Bills

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 SB143

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

AR SB626

To Require Fair And Transparent Reimbursement Rates; To Ensure Parity Of Healthcare Services; To Amend The Billing In The Best Interest Of Patients Act; And To Declare An Emergency.

AR HB1295

To Create The Healthcare Cost-sharing Collections Transparency Act.

AR HB1121

Concerning Coverage For Biomarker Testing For Early Detection And Management For Cancer Diagnoses.

AR HB1297

Concerning Artificial Intelligence, Algorithms, And Other Automated Technologies; And To Regulate Certain Practices Of Healthcare Insurers.

AR HB1301

To Amend The Prior Authorization Transparency Act.

SC H4562

Healthcare Services