7 Physician-backed Policies Move Ahead at Arizona State Capitol
It was a banner week at the Arizona State Legislature for the House of Medicine with several priority bills advancing through the final stages of the legislative process.
From international medical graduate licensing timelines to physician credentialing, here are the seven ArMA-supported bills that advanced this week:
1. Artificial Intelligence Regulation Signed Into Law
Among the bills to advance was House Bill 2175 (prior authorizations; claims), sponsored by Representative Julie Willoughby, which will prohibit insurance companies from utilizing Artificial Intelligence to deny claims and prior authorizations for medical necessity. HB2175 received its final vote from the State House and was signed by Governor Katie Hobbs on Monday, May 12.
The unregulated use of AI has resulted in systemic denials that have caused undeniable harm to patients and the healthcare system. The Arizona Medical Association is proud to be one of the first states in the country to pass this legislation, putting Arizona at the forefront of tackling the issues that matter most.
2. Physician Credentialing Timeline Successfully Shortened
A part of ArMA's efforts to reform commercial medical insurance practices, Senate Bill 1291 (health insurers; provider credentialing; claims) was signed by Governor Katie Hobbs late last Friday afternoon. S ponsored by Senator Hildy Angius, this ArMA-supported legislation shortens the credentialing timeline from 100 days to 60 days and allows for retroactive billing for services provided during the credentialing period.
What does SB1291 mean for physicians & patients? It will allow physicians to begin serving patients sooner after being employed by a new hospital or healthcare system. It is a safe and efficient way of streamlining physicians' administrative burdens and boosting patients' access to care.
💬 POST NOW: Celebrate this momentous win by sharing ArMA's post on LinkedIn.
3. Marijuana Advertising Restrictions to Protect Children
This week also saw the legislature's final approval of ArMA priority HB2179 (marijuana advertising; restrictions), sponsored by Rep. Selina Bliss. The bill prohibits marijuana advertising that targets minors and was signed by Governor Katie Hobbs on Monday, May 12. Congratulations to the bill’s champion and ArMA member, Dr. Gary Kirkilas!
📖 READ MORE: Meet Dr. Gary Kirklas and learn more about his journey with physician advocacy.
4. Obesity Treatment for AHCCCS Patients
ArMA-supported SB1711 (AHCCCS; obesity treatment; study committee), sponsored by Senator David Gowan, was voted out of the House 31-19 and now just needs final approval from the Senate. The bill creates a study committee to look at the costs and benefits of comprehensive obesity treatment for Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) patients.
5. Continuous Glucose Monitors for AHCCCS Patients
ArMA-supported
SB1132 (AHCCCS; continuous glucose monitors) , which requires AHCCCS to provide continuous glucose monitors as both a pharmacy and medical benefit, passed the House with a vote of 48-10 and has been
transmitted to the Governor for a signature.
6. Postpartum Health & Education in Rural Arizona
ArMA-supported
HB2332 (postpartum health; education; advisory committee) , sponsored by
Rep. Julie Willoughby, which requires the Arizona Department of Health Services to establish the Advisory Committee on Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Maternal Mental Health in Rural Communities to ensure these services are available in low-volume, high risk, rural communities, received final passage and is
waiting for a signature from the Governor.
7. International Medical Graduate Licensing Timeline
ArMA-initiated SB1395 (requirements; international medical graduates) , sponsored by Senator TJ Shope, was signed into law this week! This legislation allows residents who went to medical school outside the U.S. to receive their medical license on the same timeframe (one year) as their peers who attended medicals school in the U.S.
The Arizona Medical Association thanks the stakeholders, physicians, and legislative champions who have made this year's legislative session a resounding success thus far. As ArMA's Advocacy Team continues to fight for physicians and their patients, we'll keep you posted.
