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Bill

S 7297

Relates to utilization review program standards and pre-authorization for certain health care services

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Joe Addabbo and 15 co-sponsors

Bill S 7297 establishes standards for health care service approvals, enhancing patient access and transparency while requiring insurers to streamline pre-authorization processes.

COMMITTED TO RULES
0
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Bill Summary · S 7297

Summary of Bill S 7297

Bill Number: S 7297
Title: Relates to Utilization Review Program Standards and Pre-Authorization for Certain Health Care Services
Status: Committed to Rules
Introduced: April 09, 2025
Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

Bill S 7297 aims to establish new standards for utilization review programs and pre-authorization processes for specific health care services. The intent of the bill is to enhance the efficiency and transparency of health care service approvals, ultimately improving patient access to necessary medical treatments while ensuring that health care providers adhere to consistent guidelines.

Key Provisions

The bill includes several significant provisions:

  • Utilization Review Standards:
    The bill mandates the development of standardized criteria for utilization reviews, which are assessments conducted by health insurers to determine the necessity and appropriateness of health care services.

  • Pre-Authorization Requirements:
    It outlines specific health care services that will require pre-authorization before being provided to patients. This aims to streamline the approval process and reduce delays in receiving care.

  • Transparency Measures:
    The legislation includes provisions to improve transparency in the pre-authorization process, requiring insurers to provide clear information about the criteria used for decision-making.

  • Appeal Process:
    The bill establishes a more robust appeal process for patients and providers who may disagree with a utilization review decision, ensuring that there are clear pathways to contest denials.

Who Would Be Affected

  • Patients:
    Individuals seeking health care services that fall under the pre-authorization requirements will benefit from clearer guidelines and potentially faster access to necessary treatments.

  • Health Care Providers:
    Medical professionals and facilities will need to adapt to the new standards for utilization reviews and pre-authorization, which may involve changes in their administrative processes.

  • Health Insurers:
    Insurance companies will be required to implement the new standards and transparency measures, potentially impacting their operational procedures and costs.

Procedural Timeline

The legislative process for Bill S 7297 has included several key actions:

  • April 09, 2025: Bill introduced and referred to the Health Committee.
  • May 28, 2025: First report calendar.
  • May 29, 2025: Second report calendar.
  • June 04, 2025: Advanced to third reading.
  • June 09, 2025: Amended on third reading to version 7297A.
  • June 13, 2025: Committed to Rules.

Related Bills

Bill S 7297 is related to several prior-session bills, including:
- S 7872
- S 2847
- S 6435
- S 3400
- A 3789 (companion bill)

These related bills may provide additional context or similar legislative efforts in the area of health care service approvals and utilization reviews.

This summary provides an overview of Bill S 7297, highlighting its purpose, key provisions, and the potential impact on various stakeholders within the health care system.

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

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