MMA Priority Bill on AI and Prior Auth Already Moving at the Capitol

February 19, 2026

Legislation to prohibit the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in prior authorization requirements was heard in the House Commerce Finance and Policy Committee on February 19.  

HF2500 (Falconer, DFL – Minnetonka) is a top priority for the MMA in 2025. 

“Nearly one in four physicians report that prior auth has led to a serious adverse event for a patient, including hospitalization, permanent impairment, or even death,” said Chad Fahning, MPP, the MMA’s senior manager of lobbying and legislative affairs, at the committee hearing. “These are serious decisions that need to be made by a trained healthcare provider – not a computer.” 

Chad Fahning, MPP, MMA senior manager of lobbying and legislative affairs, testifies on HF2500 before the House Commerce Finance and Policy Committee.

The MMA argues that if there is an adverse determination, that decision should be made by a reviewing health provider of a same or similar specialty, not a computer denying or delaying care based on an algorithm. The legislation does not limit the ability for health insurance companies from using AI to process claims and approve care – only that if there is a denial, an actual person must make the call. 

“We have worked a lot on prior authorization reform over the years, most recently advancing legislation in 2024,” Fahning said. “Most of that law went into effect earlier this year, but one thing that was not addressed previously was the use of AI in prior authorization. We’re hopeful that this bill can make it through the finish line this year.” 

HF2500 was laid over for possible inclusion in a future omnibus bill.