Oregon legislators discuss reforms for emergency care and prior authorization processes

The Senate Committee on Health Care convened on May 13, 2025, to discuss several key legislative proposals aimed at improving healthcare delivery and addressing systemic issues within Oregon's healthcare system. The meeting featured discussions on House Bill 2940 A, which focuses on enhancing emergency care for patients with sickle cell disease, and House Bill 3134 A, which seeks to reform the prior authorization process for healthcare providers.

The session began with a detailed examination of House Bill 2940 A, introduced by Representative Travis Nelson. This bill aims to implement a real-time notification system in emergency departments to identify patients with sickle cell disease and provide immediate access to their individualized care protocols. Nelson emphasized the critical need for this legislation, highlighting the severe pain and complications that sickle cell patients endure during crises. He noted that many emergency departments lack the experience to treat these patients effectively, which can lead to inadequate care and prolonged suffering.

Support for the bill was echoed by representatives from the Hospital Association of Oregon, who described the Emergency Department Information Exchange (EHDI) system as a valuable tool for facilitating communication among healthcare providers. The proposed legislation would enhance this system, ensuring that emergency departments receive timely alerts about sickle cell patients, thereby improving treatment outcomes.

The committee then shifted focus to House Bill 3134 A, which addresses the burdensome prior authorization process that healthcare providers face. Alex Fahlman, representing State Representative Rob Nose, outlined the bill's objectives, which include increasing transparency in prior authorization data, ensuring reimbursement for medically necessary procedures performed during surgery, and mandating the adoption of an electronic interface for prior authorization requests. The bill aims to alleviate delays in patient care caused by the current prior authorization system, which has been criticized for contributing to clinician burnout and patient abandonment of treatment options.

Courtney Dresser from the Oregon Medical Association expressed strong support for the bill, citing survey data indicating that 99% of physicians report delays in patient care due to prior authorization requirements. She emphasized the need for reform to improve the efficiency of the healthcare system and reduce administrative burdens on providers.

The committee also heard from representatives of Pacific Source and CareOregon, who provided neutral testimony regarding the proposed changes. They acknowledged the importance of balancing the need for appropriate care with the necessity of preventing unnecessary procedures.

As the meeting concluded, committee members expressed their commitment to addressing healthcare disparities and improving patient outcomes through these legislative efforts. The discussions highlighted the ongoing challenges within Oregon's healthcare system and the importance of collaborative solutions to enhance care delivery for vulnerable populations. The committee plans to continue its work on these bills, with further discussions and amendments anticipated in the coming sessions.