An Oklahoma bill reforming the prior authorization process has been signed into law and goes into effect Jan. 1, The Journal Record reported May 21.
The legislation requires prior authorization procedures to be published on websites available to patients and providers, according to the report. Those with chronic conditions must be notified no less than 60 days prior to changes that will affect them. If a prior authorization is denied, appeals must be reviewed by providers of the same or similar specialities. Payers must respond to urgent requests within 72 hours and within seven days for non-urgent requests.
The bill's sponsors worked with the Oklahoma Academy of Family Physicians on the legislation, according to the report.