Oklahoma Senate Bill SB756

Oklahoma 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/6/23
• Refer: 2/7/23

Caption

Medicaid; prohibiting prior authorization process by contracted entity when provider meets criteria for certain exemption; stipulating certain procedures. Emergency.

Impact

If enacted, SB756 would directly affect the procedural framework for prior authorizations in Oklahoma's Medicaid program. It stipulates that exemptions from prior authorization requirements can be granted automatically to qualified providers without the need for them to apply. Additionally, the bill mandates that any rescission of an exemption during evaluation requires substantial justification and cannot be retroactively applied. This legislative change aims to ensure that healthcare providers have a more predictable and supportive operating environment, ultimately benefiting patients through improved access to necessary medical services.

Summary

Senate Bill 756, introduced by Senator Montgomery, aims to modify the prior authorization process for healthcare services under the state's Medicaid program. The bill restricts the ability of contracted entities to require prior authorization for certain health care services provided by participating providers, specifically when those providers have demonstrated a consistent approval rate of 90% or higher on prior authorization requests over the most recent six-month evaluation period. This approach seeks to streamline healthcare access and reduce barriers for providers, thus enhancing patient care delivery.

Contention

Notably, the bill may evoke concerns regarding the balance between regulation and flexibility in healthcare systems. Critics may argue that easing prior authorization could lead to potential over-utilization of services, raising questions about cost management and patient safety. On the other hand, proponents argue that the current authorization processes can create unnecessary delays in patient care. The discussions surrounding SB756 highlight the ongoing debate about how best to manage Medicaid resources while ensuring timely access to care for residents of Oklahoma.