Oklahoma 2023 2023 Regular Session

Oklahoma Senate Bill SB513 Introduced / Bill

Filed 01/17/2023

                     
 
 
Req. No. 347 	Page 1  1 
2 
3 
4 
5 
6 
7 
8 
9 
10 
11 
12 
13 
14 
15 
16 
17 
18 
19 
20 
21 
22 
23 
24 
   1 
2 
3 
4 
5 
6 
7 
8 
9 
10 
11 
12 
13 
14 
15 
16 
17 
18 
19 
20 
21 
22 
23 
24 
  
STATE OF OKLAHOMA 
 
1st Session of the 59th Legislature (2023) 
 
SENATE BILL 513 	By: Rosino 
 
 
 
 
 
AS INTRODUCED 
 
An Act relating to biomarker testing; defining terms; 
requiring coverage of biomarker testing under certain 
conditions; requiring certain document be provided 
with policy; directing plan to limit disruptions in 
care with certain evidence; requiring plan to publish 
accessible process on certain websit e for certain 
requests; construing provision; amending 56 O.S. 
2021, Section 4002.6, as amended by Section 10, 
Chapter 395, O.S.L. 2022 (56 O.S. Supp. 2022, Section 
4002.6), which relates to the state Medicaid program; 
clarifying certain prior authorizati on requirement; 
updating statutory language; defining terms; 
requiring certain coverage and p rovision of biomarker 
testing; stipulating prior au thorization requirements 
for biomarker testing; directing creation of process 
to request exceptions to certain c overage policies; 
providing for codification; and providing an 
effective date. 
 
 
 
 
BE IT ENACTED BY THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF OKLAHOMA: 
SECTION 1.     NEW LAW     A new section of law to be codified 
in the Oklahoma Statutes as Section 6060.5a of Title 36, unless 
there is created a duplication in numb ering, reads as follows : 
A.  As used in this section: 
1.  “Biomarker” means a characteristic that is objectively 
measured and evaluated as an indicator of normal biological   
 
 
Req. No. 347 	Page 2  1 
2 
3 
4 
5 
6 
7 
8 
9 
10 
11 
12 
13 
14 
15 
16 
17 
18 
19 
20 
21 
22 
23 
24 
   1 
2 
3 
4 
5 
6 
7 
8 
9 
10 
11 
12 
13 
14 
15 
16 
17 
18 
19 
20 
21 
22 
23 
24 
  
processes, pathogenic processes, or pharmacologic respo nses to a 
specific therapeutic inter vention, including known gene-drug 
interactions for medications being considered for use or already 
being administered.  Biomarkers shall include but are not limited to 
gene mutation or protein expression; 
2.  “Biomarker testing” means the analysis of a patient’s 
tissue, blood, or other biospecimen fo r the presence of a biomarker.  
Biomarker testing shall include but not be limited to single-analyte 
tests, multiplex panel tests, protein expression, and whole exome, 
whole genome, and whole transcriptome sequencing; 
3.  “Consensus statement” means a statement that: 
a. is developed by an independent, multidisciplinary 
panel of experts that use a transparent methodolo gy 
and reporting structure that includes a conflict of 
interest policy, 
b. is based on the best available evide nce for the 
purpose of optimizing clinical care outcomes , and 
c. is aimed at specific clinical circumstances; 
4.  “Health benefit plan” means a plan as defined pursuant to 
Section 6060.4 of Title 36 of the Oklahoma Statutes; provided, 
health benefit plan s hall also include indivi dual, group, and 
blanket disability insurance coverage; and 
5.  “Nationally recognized clinical practice guidelines” means 
evidence-based clinical practice guidelines that:   
 
 
Req. No. 347 	Page 3  1 
2 
3 
4 
5 
6 
7 
8 
9 
10 
11 
12 
13 
14 
15 
16 
17 
18 
19 
20 
21 
22 
23 
24 
   1 
2 
3 
4 
5 
6 
7 
8 
9 
10 
11 
12 
13 
14 
15 
16 
17 
18 
19 
20 
21 
22 
23 
24 
  
a. are developed by independent organizations or medical 
professional societies using a transparent methodology 
and reporting structure and a con flict of interest 
policy, and 
b. establish standards of care t hat are informed by a 
systemic review of evidence and an assessment of the 
benefits and costs of alternative care options that 
includes recommendations intende d to optimize patient 
care. 
B.  Any health benefit plan, including the Oklahoma Employees 
Insurance Plan, that is offered, issued, or renewed in this stat e on 
or after the effective date of this act shall provide coverage for 
biomarker testing.  An evidence of coverage document provided with a 
health benefit plan under this section shall include biomarker 
testing for the purpose of diagnosis, treatment, appropriate 
management, or ongoing monitoring of an insured’s disease or 
condition to guide treatment decisions when the biomarker test is 
supported by medical and scientific evidence, including, but not 
limited to: 
1.  Labeled indications for tests that are approved or cleared 
by the United States Food and D rug Administration;  
2.  Indicated tests for a drug that is approved by the United 
States Food and Drug Administration;   
 
 
Req. No. 347 	Page 4  1 
2 
3 
4 
5 
6 
7 
8 
9 
10 
11 
12 
13 
14 
15 
16 
17 
18 
19 
20 
21 
22 
23 
24 
   1 
2 
3 
4 
5 
6 
7 
8 
9 
10 
11 
12 
13 
14 
15 
16 
17 
18 
19 
20 
21 
22 
23 
24 
  
3.  Warnings and precautions on United States Food and Dru g 
Administration approved d rug labels; 
4.  Centers for Medicare and Medicaid S ervices national coverage 
determinations or Medicare administrative contractor local coverage 
determinations; or 
5.  Nationally recognized clinical practice guidelines and 
consensus statements. 
C.  A health benefit plan shall ensure that coverage is provid ed 
in a manner that limits disruptions in care, including the need for 
multiple biopsies and biospeci men samples. 
D.  An insured and a prescrib ing practitioner shall have access 
to a clear, readily available, and convenient proc ess to request an 
exception to a coverage policy of a health benefit plan under this 
subsection.  The process shall be readily accessible on the plan ’s 
website.  This subsection shall not be construed to require a 
separate process if the health benefit pla n’s existing process 
complies with this subsection. 
SECTION 2.     AMENDATORY     56 O.S. 2021, Section 4002.6, as 
amended by Section 10, Chapter 395, O. S.L. 2022 (56 O.S. Supp. 2022, 
Section 4002.6), is amended to read as follows: 
Section 4002.6. A.  A contracted entity shall meet all 
requirements established by the Oklahoma Health Care Authority 
pertaining to prior authorizations.  The Authority shal l establish 
requirements that ensure timely determinations by contracted   
 
 
Req. No. 347 	Page 5  1 
2 
3 
4 
5 
6 
7 
8 
9 
10 
11 
12 
13 
14 
15 
16 
17 
18 
19 
20 
21 
22 
23 
24 
   1 
2 
3 
4 
5 
6 
7 
8 
9 
10 
11 
12 
13 
14 
15 
16 
17 
18 
19 
20 
21 
22 
23 
24 
  
entities when prior authorizations are required including expedited 
review in urgent and emergent cases that at a minimum meet the 
criteria of this section. 
B.  A contracted entity shall make a determination on a request 
for an authorization of the transfer of a hospital inpatient to a 
post-acute care or long-term acute care facility within twenty-four 
(24) hours of receipt of the request. 
C.  A contracted entity shall make a determination on a request 
for any member who is not hospitalized at the time of the request 
within seventy-two (72) hours of receipt of the request; provided, 
that if the request does not inclu de sufficient or adequate 
documentation, the review and determination shall occur within a 
time frame and in accorda nce with a process established by the 
Authority.  The process established by the Authority pursuant to 
this subsection shall include a time frame of at least forty-eight 
(48) hours within which a provider may submit the necessary 
documentation. 
D.  A contracted entity shall make a determination on a request 
for services for a hospitalized member including, but not limited 
to, acute care inpatient services or equipment necessary to 
discharge the member from an inpatient facility within one (1) 
business day of receipt of the request. 
E. Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection C of this 
section, a contracted entity shall make a determination on a request   
 
 
Req. No. 347 	Page 6  1 
2 
3 
4 
5 
6 
7 
8 
9 
10 
11 
12 
13 
14 
15 
16 
17 
18 
19 
20 
21 
22 
23 
24 
   1 
2 
3 
4 
5 
6 
7 
8 
9 
10 
11 
12 
13 
14 
15 
16 
17 
18 
19 
20 
21 
22 
23 
24 
  
as expeditiously as necessary and, in any event, within tw enty-four 
(24) hours of receipt of the request for service if adhering to the 
provisions of subsection C or D of this section could jeopardize the 
member’s life, health or ability to attain, maintain or regain 
maximum function.  In the event of a medically emergent matter, the 
contracted entity shall not impose limitations on providers in 
coordination of post-emergent stabilization health care including 
pre-certification or prior authorization. 
F. Notwithstanding any other provision o f this section, a 
contracted entity shall make a determination on a request for 
inpatient behavioral health s ervices within twenty-four (24) hours 
of receipt of the request. 
G.  A contracted entity shall make a determination on a request 
for covered prescription drugs tha t are required to be prior 
authorized by the Autho rity within twenty-four (24) hours of receipt 
of the request.  The contracted entity shall not require prior 
authorization on any covered prescription drug for which the 
Authority does not require prior authorization. 
H. A contracted entity shall make a determination on a re quest 
for coverage of biomarker testing in accordan ce with Section 3 of 
this act. 
I. Upon issuance of an adverse determination on a prior 
authorization request under subse ction B of this section, the 
contracted entity shall provide the requesting provider, within   
 
 
Req. No. 347 	Page 7  1 
2 
3 
4 
5 
6 
7 
8 
9 
10 
11 
12 
13 
14 
15 
16 
17 
18 
19 
20 
21 
22 
23 
24 
   1 
2 
3 
4 
5 
6 
7 
8 
9 
10 
11 
12 
13 
14 
15 
16 
17 
18 
19 
20 
21 
22 
23 
24 
  
seventy-two (72) hours of receipt of suc h issuance, with reasonable 
opportunity to participate in a peer-to-peer review process with a 
provider who practices in the same specialty, but not necessarily 
the same sub-specialty, and who has experience treating the same 
population as the patient on w hose behalf the request is submitted; 
provided, however, if the requesting provider determin es the 
services to be clinically urgent, the contracted entity shall 
provide such opportunity within twenty-four (24) hours of receipt of 
such issuance.  Services not covered under the state Medicaid 
program for the partic ular patient shall not be subject to peer-to-
peer review. 
I. J.  The Authority shall ensure that a provider offers to 
provide to an enrollee a member in a timely manner services 
authorized by a contracted entity. 
J. K.  The Authority shall establish requirements for both 
internal and external reviews and appeals of adverse determinations 
on prior authorization requests or claims that, at a minimum: 
1.  Require contracted entities to provide a detailed 
explanation of denials to Medicaid providers an d members; 
2. Require contracted entities to provide a prompt opportunity 
for peer-to-peer conversations with licensed clinical staff of the 
same or similar specialty which shall include, but not be limited 
to, Oklahoma-licensed clinical staff upon adverse determination; and   
 
 
Req. No. 347 	Page 8  1 
2 
3 
4 
5 
6 
7 
8 
9 
10 
11 
12 
13 
14 
15 
16 
17 
18 
19 
20 
21 
22 
23 
24 
   1 
2 
3 
4 
5 
6 
7 
8 
9 
10 
11 
12 
13 
14 
15 
16 
17 
18 
19 
20 
21 
22 
23 
24 
  
3.  Establish uniform rules for Medica id provider or member 
appeals across all contracted entities. 
SECTION 3.     NEW LAW    A new section of law to be codified 
in the Oklahoma Statutes as Se ction 4003 of Title 56, unless there 
is created a duplication in numb ering, reads as follows: 
A.  As used in this section: 
1.  “Biomarker”, “biomarker testing”, “consensus statement”, and 
“nationally recognized clinical practice guidelines” shall have the 
same meaning as provided by Section 1 of this act; and 
2.  “Contracted entity” shall have the same meaning as provided 
by Section 4002.2 of Title 56 o f the Oklahoma Statutes. 
B.  The state Medicaid program s hall cover biomarker testing in 
accordance with the requirements provided by this section. 
C.  Biomarker testing shall be cove red for the purposes of 
diagnosis, treatment, appropriate management, or ongo ing monitoring 
of a member’s disease or condition whe n the test is supported by 
medical and scientific evidence, including, but not limited to: 
1.  Labeled indications for a Food and Drug Administration 
(FDA)-approved or -cleared test; 
2.  Indicated tests for an FDA-approved drug; 
3.  Warnings and precautions on FDA-approved drug labels; 
4.  Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Serv ices (CMS) national 
coverage determinations or Medicare Administrative Contrac tor (MAC) 
local coverage determinations; or   
 
 
Req. No. 347 	Page 9  1 
2 
3 
4 
5 
6 
7 
8 
9 
10 
11 
12 
13 
14 
15 
16 
17 
18 
19 
20 
21 
22 
23 
24 
   1 
2 
3 
4 
5 
6 
7 
8 
9 
10 
11 
12 
13 
14 
15 
16 
17 
18 
19 
20 
21 
22 
23 
24 
  
5.  Nationally recognized clinical pra ctice guidelines and 
consensus statements. 
D.  Contracted entities under the sta te Medicaid program shall 
provide biomarker testing at the same scope, duration , and frequency 
as the Medicaid program otherwise provides to mem bers. 
E.  If prior authorization is required for biomar ker testing, 
the contracted entity shall approve or deny a prior authorization 
request and notify the member, the member’s provider, and any entity 
requesting authorization of the service within seven ty-two (72) 
hours for non-urgent requests or within twenty-four (24) hours for 
urgent requests. 
F.  The member and the membe r’s provider shall have access to 
clear, readily accessible, and convenient process es to request an 
exception to a coverage policy f or biomarker testing of the state 
Medicaid program.  The process shall be made readily accessible to 
all participating providers and members online. 
SECTION 4.  This act shall become effecti ve January 1, 2024. 
 
59-1-347 RD 1/17/2023 4:41:46 PM