Senate committee asks Congress to study prior-authorization delays that patients and doctors report

The Louisiana Senate Health and Welfare Committee reported Senate Concurrent Resolution 13 favorable after testimony that prior-authorization practices by insurers are delaying patient care.

SCR 13 “memorializes Congress to take action relative to the use of prior authorization processes,” sponsor Senator Troy Presley said. Lauren Bailey, who said she represents the Louisiana State Medical Society, told the committee, “we're still fielding calls daily from physicians and from patients about the delays due to prior authorization.”

The resolution asks Congress to study the issue and consider national guidance, witnesses said, because providers and patients cross state lines and face differing rules. Bailey told the committee insurers sometimes deny requests based on timing within a quarter and then approve them later, adding, “I think that practice is wrong.”

Committee members asked about the resolution’s objectives. Senator Boudreau asked, “what would we like to see when we talk about prior authorization?” Presley replied that the goal was to let doctors and extenders “be able to practice medicine” without administrative holdups that harm patient care. Witnesses said the Louisiana bills passed earlier were a heavy lift but that uniform federal guidance would reduce cross-state confusion.

Senator Boudreau moved to report SCR 13 favorable. With no objection, the committee reported the resolution favorable by voice consent. The resolution itself is a request that Congress review prior-authorization processes; it does not change state law.