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.

Liz Helms of the California Chronic Care Coalition described survey data showing physicians spend significant time on prior authorization work and asserted that once a plan has approved needed care, that approval should remain valid for the course of treatment. Health plans, represented by Nick Luisos of the California Association of Health Plans, warned that a predetermined one‑year validity regardless of clinical change could undermine periodic reassessment and lead to unnecessary utilization and program‑integrity problems. Amendments were discussed that narrow scope and preserve clinical reassessment, and the committee deferred a vote until quorum is reached.