Nevada lawmakers push prior authorization reform for timely patient care
June 01, 2025 | 2025 Legislature NV, Nevada
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A significant reform in Nevada's healthcare system is on the horizon as the Senate Committee on Health and Human Services discussed a pivotal bill aimed at drastically reducing prior authorization wait times for medical treatments. Currently, patients face a daunting 20-day wait for prior authorization, but this new legislation proposes to cut that down to just two business days, with a maximum of seven calendar days in specific cases.
Jacqueline Wynn, representing the Nevada State Medical Association, expressed gratitude for the bill, emphasizing its potential to enhance patient care by streamlining the authorization process. "Prior authorization reform is the number one priority for us and our patients," she stated, highlighting the detrimental impact of delays on health outcomes and the administrative burdens placed on physicians.
The bill also addresses concerns raised by Senator Lang regarding its applicability to both Preferred Provider Organizations (PPOs) and Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs). The committee confirmed that the legislation would encompass both types of insurance plans, ensuring broader access to timely care.
Support for the bill came from various medical professionals, including representatives from the Nevada Psychiatric Association and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. They underscored the urgent need for reform, citing tragic cases where prior authorization delays led to dire consequences for patients, including preventable deaths.
Dr. Joseph Adashek, president of the Adashek Medical Association, passionately described the burdensome nature of prior authorizations, stating, "The bane of our existence is prior authorizations." He noted that the proposed changes would eliminate unnecessary delays for essential preventive treatments, allowing healthcare providers to focus more on patient care rather than paperwork.
As the committee moved forward with the bill, there was no opposition voiced during the hearing, indicating strong support for the proposed changes. The anticipated outcome of this legislation could significantly improve patient access to timely medical care, marking a crucial step forward in Nevada's healthcare landscape.
Jacqueline Wynn, representing the Nevada State Medical Association, expressed gratitude for the bill, emphasizing its potential to enhance patient care by streamlining the authorization process. "Prior authorization reform is the number one priority for us and our patients," she stated, highlighting the detrimental impact of delays on health outcomes and the administrative burdens placed on physicians.
The bill also addresses concerns raised by Senator Lang regarding its applicability to both Preferred Provider Organizations (PPOs) and Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs). The committee confirmed that the legislation would encompass both types of insurance plans, ensuring broader access to timely care.
Support for the bill came from various medical professionals, including representatives from the Nevada Psychiatric Association and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. They underscored the urgent need for reform, citing tragic cases where prior authorization delays led to dire consequences for patients, including preventable deaths.
Dr. Joseph Adashek, president of the Adashek Medical Association, passionately described the burdensome nature of prior authorizations, stating, "The bane of our existence is prior authorizations." He noted that the proposed changes would eliminate unnecessary delays for essential preventive treatments, allowing healthcare providers to focus more on patient care rather than paperwork.
As the committee moved forward with the bill, there was no opposition voiced during the hearing, indicating strong support for the proposed changes. The anticipated outcome of this legislation could significantly improve patient access to timely medical care, marking a crucial step forward in Nevada's healthcare landscape.
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