Bill > S538

This bill addresses emergency hospital capacity management by establishing a protocol for waiving certain insurance requirements during periods of high hospital bed occupancy. Specifically, if hospital inpatient staffed-bed capacity rates reach or exceed 85% for 72 consecutive hours in a Health and Medical Coordinating Coalition (HMCC) Region, or if the Department of Public Health (DPH) activates its Capacity Planning and Response Guidance for Acute Care Hospitals, the Division of Insurance must direct all health insurance carriers to waive prior authorization requirements that could impede patient transportation or discharge. These waivers would be in effect for at least 30 days or for the duration of the DPH's guidance activation. The bill requires the Division of Insurance, in consultation with the DPH, to publish implementation guidance within 30 days of the act's passage. The primary goal is to facilitate more efficient patient movement and hospital resource management during potential healthcare surge events, potentially helping hospitals manage overcrowding and maintain care quality during periods of high occupancy.

Health and Social Services, Military Affairs and Security

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S538