HAP Statement on General Assembly’s Passage of Legislation to Streamline Prior Authorization

October 26, 2022

Harrisburg, PA (October 26, 2022) – The Hospital and Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania (HAP) applauds the General Assembly’s passage today of Senate Bill 225, which reforms the processes for prior authorization and step-therapy protocol. HAP President and CEO Andy Carter released the following statement:

“Today’s passage of Senate Bill 225 will help Pennsylvanians access the health care they need faster and with fewer barriers. HAP and Pennsylvania’s hospital community thank leaders and members of the General Assembly for prioritizing and supporting this important reform and Governor Tom Wolf for his anticipated signature.

Senate Bill 225 establishes clear and predictable processes that will reduce delays in medically necessary care for patients, while also lessening costly administrative burdens for hospitals and health care providers.

This reform was made possible by diverse stakeholders coming together to benefit all Pennsylvanians. HAP thanks Senator Kristin Phillips-Hill for her leadership and the Coalition to Improve Prior Authorization and Step Therapy for Pennsylvanians, health systems, insurers, legislative staff, and others for their work to reach consensus on this plan.”

Background:  Senate Bill 225 reforms the prior authorization process to expedite approval of patient care and reduce administrative burdens for hospitals, physicians, and other health care providers. The legislation also requires insurers to create a process for patients and physicians to request exceptions from “step-therapy protocol,” also known as “fail first” programs.