HB 549
HB 549 seeks to amend prior authorization requirements for recipients
of Medicaid funded services. The proposed changes inadvertently
conflict with federal mandates on Medicaid services. Specifically, HB
549 would restrict the States ability to conduct appropriate prior
authorization review as required by federal regulations (CFR
433.15(b)(7)). Federal regulators have also indicated an objection to
the establishment of different standards for recipients based on a
general categorization of their condition rather than based on an
individuals specific medical needs and likely rehabilitation and
recovery (CFR 440.240). For these reasons, federal approval of the
changes mandated by HB 549 is not expected. The timeliness of these
services, particularly to this constituency is important. I am,
therefore, directing the Department of Community Healt h to continue
its efforts to provide for a more streamlined preauthorization process
so as not to unduly burden the practitioners and patients this bill
seeks to assist.