A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services of the Department of Health and Human Services relating to "Medicare Program; Implementation of Prior Authorization for Select Services for the Wasteful and Inappropriate Services Reduction (WISeR) Model".

119th Congress Introduced by Tammy Baldwin and 19 co-sponsors

Congress disapproves the WISeR prior authorization rule, blocking CMS from implementing it and restoring the previous Medicare process.

Senate Committee on the Judiciary discharged, by petition, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 802(c).

Summary of SJRES 192 (Session 119)

Purpose

A joint resolution that would use the congressional disapproval process under the Congressional Review Act (CRA), specifically chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, to reject and nullify a Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) rule.

The CMS rule in question is titled: “Medicare Program; Implementation of Prior Authorization for Select Services for the Wasteful and Inappropriate Services Reduction (WISeR) Model.”

The intent is to block CMS from implementing the WISeR Prior Authorization framework for certain Medicare services.

Key provisions and changes

Congress disapproves the CMS rule implementing prior authorization requirements under the WISeR model.

If enacted, the rule would be invalidated and CMS would be prohibited from enforcing or implementing the disapproved rule, effectively reverting to the status quo prior to the rule’s effective date.

The resolution invokes the CRA fast-track mechanism to nullify the rule without a full Act of Congress, provided the resolution is enacted.

Affected parties and scope

Medicare beneficiaries and enrolled providers (physicians, hospitals, and other clinicians) who would have been subject to the WISeR prior authorization requirements.

CMS and Medicare administrative contractors responsible for implementing and administering the prior authorization process.

The broader health care and payer landscape within the Medicare program, as prior authorization rules can influence clinical decision-making, administrative workload, and reimbursement timelines.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Introduced in the Senate and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary (as of the latest action history).

Co-sponsors include a broad group of Senate Democrats, signaling bipartisan alignment in opposition to the CMS WISeR rule.

Under the CRA, if the joint resolution passes both chambers and is signed by the President (or a veto is overridden), the rule would be repealed, and CMS would be barred from enforcing it. The CRA process is typically faster than ordinary statutory modification.

Context and potential impact

The WISeR model’s use of prior authorization is intended to curb wasteful or inappropriate services, potentially reducing Medicare spending and limiting certain services deemed unnecessary.

opponents of the rule may argue that prior authorization increases administrative burden on providers, delays patient care, and creates barriers to access.

Supporters of disapproval would prioritize preserving clinician flexibility and reducing regulatory burden, even if that means allowing more discretionary testing or procedures.

The resolution, if enacted, would halt the specific CMS prior authorization framework tied to WISeR, though it would not necessarily preclude CMS from pursuing other cost-containment or utilization review initiatives in the future.

Note

The information reflects the bill’s stated purpose and the actions listed in the provided history. For complete and current status, consult the latest Congressional tracking resources.