Lawmakers press carriers and hospitals on electronic prior authorization after carriers report faster decisions

The Interim Healthcare Committee turned mid‑day to a second study requested by Senate Bill 2280: electronic prior authorization (ePA). Staff introduced the statute and federal context, and the committee heard from hospital systems, a major carrier, the state IT office and provider associations about technical, operational and security obstacles and early gains from digital systems.

Why it matters: Prior authorization affects how quickly patients access non‑urgent and urgent diagnostic and therapeutic services. Witnesses argued that electronic systems can dramatically lower administrative costs and accelerate care, but adoption gaps and technical interoperability issues mean many providers still use fax or phone.

Federal and state context Staff reviewed the CMS interoperability and prior authorization final rule (February 2024) and the study charge: analyze electronic alternatives to fax or mail for non‑urgent and emergency prior authorizations and report findings to the insurance…