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HB 1301

Maryland Medical Assistance Program, Maryland Children’s Health Program, and Health Insurance – Transfers to Special Pediatric Hospitals – Prior Authorizations

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Heather Bagnall Tudball and 15 co-sponsors

HB 1301 removes prior authorization requirements for pediatric patient transfers to specialty hospitals under Maryland's state health assistance programs to accelerate care access.

Approved by the Governor - Chapter 612
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Bill Summary · HB 1301

Legislative bill overview

HB 1301 streamlines prior authorization requirements for patient transfers to specialty pediatric hospitals in Maryland's Medical Assistance Program and Children's Health Program. The bill eliminates or reduces unnecessary pre-approval barriers that can delay critical transfers of children to specialized care facilities.

Why is this important

Prior authorization delays can be medically dangerous for seriously ill children who need specialized pediatric care. By reducing administrative obstacles, this bill aims to ensure faster access to necessary specialized treatment while potentially reducing unnecessary bureaucratic costs for the health system.

Potential points of contention

  • Healthcare provider burden: Hospitals may face questions about whether the bill provides sufficient guidelines to prevent inappropriate transfers or overutilization of specialty pediatric beds
  • Insurance/program costs: Reducing prior authorization requirements could increase transfer frequency and associated expenses for the state's medical assistance programs
  • Implementation clarity: The bill's specific mechanisms for determining which transfers bypass prior authorization and which don't may require detailed regulatory interpretation

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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