Bill > HB75

This bill establishes comprehensive requirements for wheelchair repair in Alabama, focusing on ensuring timely and accessible maintenance for wheelchair users. The legislation defines key terms such as "authorized wheelchair dealer" (a home medical equipment provider that sells or leases wheelchairs) and "customized wheelchair" (a medically necessary wheelchair individually configured for a specific user). The bill mandates that authorized wheelchair dealers must respond to repair requests within one business day, order necessary parts within three business days, and complete repairs within 10 business days. Dealers must provide an email address and phone number for repair requests and, when reasonable, offer on-site repairs at the consumer's residence. The bill also amends existing regulations to allow the licensing board to take disciplinary action against dealers who repeatedly fail to make timely wheelchair repairs. Additionally, the legislation requires Medicaid and health benefit plans to streamline the prescription and authorization process for wheelchair repairs, reducing bureaucratic barriers for users. Specifically, plans cannot require new prescriptions for wheelchair repairs unless the original prescription is more than five years old for recipients under 21, or seven years old for those 21 and older. The provisions will take effect on October 1, 2025, giving businesses and healthcare providers time to adapt to the new requirements.

Government Affairs

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