Bill would keep prior‑authorizations valid for a year to reduce repeated approvals

Assemblymember Shavo presented AB 5 39 (Timely Care Act), which would extend the duration of an approved prior authorization to at least one year or to the duration of a prescribed treatment. The author framed the measure as a way to center patients and ease repeated administrative hurdles that delay appointments, therapies and continuity of care. Emergency physician Dr. Anna Yap said prior authorization delays often cause patients to arrive in emergency departments after avoidable deterioration and urged the committee to support the bill.