HB1275
To Prohibit Prior Authorizations For Healthcare Services Provided For Treatment Of A Mental Health Crisis.
AI-Generated Summary
This bill, House Bill 1275, proposes to amend Arkansas Code by adding a new subchapter to prohibit prior authorizations for healthcare services related to mental health crises. It defines key terms such as 'health benefit plan,' 'healthcare insurer,' 'healthcare provider,' 'healthcare service,' and 'mental health crisis.' The core provision states that a health benefit plan cannot require prior authorization or precertification for healthcare services rendered to an individual experiencing a mental health crisis. This prohibition applies to services provided by healthcare providers, including those at crisis stabilization units or in emergency departments. The bill also outlines the authority for rule promulgation, assigning this responsibility to the Insurance Commissioner, with specific provisions for the State Board of Finance regarding the State and Public School Life and Health Insurance Program.
Potential Impact Analysis
Who Might Benefit?
Individuals experiencing a mental health crisis would be the primary beneficiaries of this bill. By removing the requirement for prior authorization, the bill aims to expedite access to necessary healthcare services during acute mental health episodes. Healthcare providers who treat individuals in mental health crises would also benefit, as they would be able to provide services without the administrative hurdle of obtaining pre-approval, potentially leading to more timely interventions and reduced administrative burdens.
Who Might Suffer?
Healthcare insurers and health benefit plans would be the entities most directly and negatively impacted by this bill. The prohibition on requiring prior authorization or precertification for mental health crisis services would remove a mechanism they currently use to manage costs and review the necessity and appropriateness of services. This could potentially lead to increased utilization and costs for these entities, as they would not have the ability to pre-approve these specific types of treatments.