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Appropriations committee advances AB 539 to extend prior‑authorization durations for prescribed treatments
Summary
AB 539 (Timely Care Act) would extend the duration of an approved prior authorization to one year or to the length of a physician's prescribed treatment, reducing administrative burden for patients and providers. The committee moved the bill out with Republicans recorded as not voting.
Assemblymember Schiavo presented AB 539 (the Timely Care Act) to extend the duration of an approved prior authorization to one year or for the duration of a physician‑prescribed treatment. The author said the change would reduce administrative burdens on clinicians and patients who currently must re‑request authorizations during ongoing care.
Kevin Guzman of the California Medical Association testified in support and said the measure will help keep patients on prescribed therapies. The bill sponsor described the fiscal impact to state agencies as minimal. No witnesses in opposition were recorded in the hearing room. The committee moved the bill out with Republicans recorded as not voting.
The author closed by saying the bill will help put patients at the center of care and asked members for an aye vote; the measure advanced from Appropriations for further floor consideration.
