AN ACT TO AMEND THE PRIOR AUTHORIZATION TRANSPARENCY ACT; TO CLARIFY THAT A HEALTHCARE INSURER FROM OUT OF STATE IS SUBJECT TO THE PRIOR AUTHORIZATION TRANSPARENCY ACT IF THAT HEALTHCARE INSURER HAS SUBSCRIBERS IN THIS STATE; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.

Easing The Burden Of Prior Authorization

One focus for AMS in recent years has been easing the burden of Prior Authorization. In 2023, AMS was instrumental in the passage of Act 575. This landmark law — Arkansas’s version of what’s called a GOLD CARD Bill — went into effect on Jan. 1. It represents a significant victory for physicians and patients, prioritizing medical expertise over bureaucratic hurdles. As the new year unfolds, please be patient while the carriers work to implement this legislation. 

While it doesn’t apply to Medicare or ERISA plans, Act 575 exempts Arkansas physicians from most other prior authorization requirements, provided they have maintained at least a 90% approval rate for prior authorization requests over the last 12 months. This initiative rewards sound medical judgment, allowing us to deliver care more effectively and avoid treatment delays.