Prior Authorization Reform Bill Receives Another House Hearing

February 29, 2024

HF 3578 (Bahner, DFL – Maple Grove) went through its second House committee when it was heard in the House Commerce Committee on February 28. Because the bill was heard on Physicians’ Day at the Capitol, the hearing was attended by many physicians and physicians-in-training wearing their white coats. 

The bill prohibits prior authorization for services where a delay in care may lead to serious negative patient health outcomes. These include mental health treatment, substance-use disorder treatment, cancer treatment, and limits prior authorization to one-time only for treatment for chronic conditions, unless the standard of care changes. The bill also prohibits prior authorization on preventive health services, generic drugs, and biosimilars. 

“I love being a doctor. The chance to help my patients is what keeps me going every day,” said MMA President Laurel Ries, MD, in her testimony. “But more and more interferences like prior authorization are making it more and more difficult to do what I love.” 

The bill is also supported by numerous organizations including medical societies, hospital systems, patient advocacy groups, and other provider groups. 

Opponents of the bill included lobbyists from the Minnesota Council of Health Plans and the Pharmaceutical Care Management Association, who argued that prior authorization is a tool used to protect patients from unnecessary costs and potentially dangerous or unnecessary care. 

The committee did not have time to discuss the bill. It was laid over for future discussion. The Senate companion bill is scheduled for its first hearing on Tuesday, March 5, in the Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee.