Prior Auth Bill Takes Big Step Towards Becoming Law October 5, 2023
Written by MSDC Staff
On Tuesday, the DC Council added to the consent agenda and voted on B25-124, the Prior Authorization Reform Amendment Act.
B25-124 is MSDC's highest priority and would enact reasonable limits on prior authorization for the first time ever in the District. Today moves the bill one step closer to reality.
Currently the District is one of only nine states without any prior authorization restrictions in law. This bill would, among other things, prevent prior auths for cost alone, set time limits for prior auth considerations, prohibit prior auth for emergency care and medication assisted treatment, and require insurers to publish prior auth guidance publicly. See our bill breakdown here.
By adding the bill to the consent agenda, the Council only needs to vote twice on the bill instead of three times. That means the bill could be passed by the Council as early as November and sent to the Mayor. One potential holdup is the bill may require an additional fiscal note from the Department of Behavioral Health.
For more information about the bill and how to be engaged with the process, visit msdc.org/priorauth.