Citizen Portal
Sign In

House approves 72‑hour prior‑authorization timeframe for complex rehabilitation technology requests

3446337 · May 21, 2025
AI-Generated Content: All content on this page was generated by AI to highlight key points from the meeting. For complete details and context, we recommend watching the full video. so we can fix them.

Summary

The House passed Senate Bill 549, which requires coordinated care organizations to make prior‑authorization determinations for complex rehabilitation technology requests within 72 hours, sponsors said, aiming to reduce delays that leave people without critical durable medical equipment.

The House approved Senate Bill 549 on third reading. Representative Noss, who carried the measure on the floor, said the bill narrows prior‑authorization delays for complex rehabilitation technology — devices such as custom wheelchairs and adaptive seating — by requiring coordinated care organizations to make a determination within 72 hours of receiving a request.

Representative Noss told colleagues that prior‑authorization wait times had forced some Oregonians who rely on durable medical equipment to wait weeks for repairs or replacements. “Oregonians on the Oregon Health Plan often have to wait weeks for Medicaid authorization to fix their devices,” she said, adding that “over 98% of prior authorization requests are approved.” The bill also seeks to reduce administrative burden and speed access to needed equipment.

Supporters framed the bill as a technical but consequential fix to improve mobility and reduce interruptions to recipients’ independence; the clerk declared SB 549 passed after the roll was opened.