By: Vern Saboe Jr., DC (Class of 1979) – Oregon Chiropractic Association, Lobbyist, ACA Delegate for Oregon
Oregon Legislature recently passed House Bill 2517 and has been signed into law by Governor Kate Brown. This new Oregon law will help reduce confusion and delays many patients have dealt with when attempting to obtain pre-authorization for various medical procedures, some even lifesaving. The law will reduce the administrative burden medical staff must deal with while reducing cost as well as reducing patient waiting times. It requires a process for electronic submission for authorization, clarifies necessary information needed for submission of a complete utilization management request, specifies health service authorizations by insurers, and the health plans are valid for at least 60 days and 12 months for chronic disease treatment.
This Oregon law will improve transparency and navigation through the administrative process by ensuring all medical offices and their patients receive a clear reason for any denied requests and requires insurance companies to provide notification of any changes to utilization management within a reasonable period. This patient-centered legislation was the result of several health care professions and foundations working together for the good of all patients. These groups include the Oregon Chiropractic Association (OCA), the Oregon Medical Association (OMA), Oregon Association of Naturopathic Physicians (OANP), Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons of Oregon (OPSO), Oregon Nurses Association (ONA), Oregon Physical Therapy Association (OPTA), Oregon Association of Acupuncturists (OAA) and others. All patients in Oregon will benefit, because these health care professions were willing to work together over the course of the last three Oregon legislative sessions.
