HB1700

House Bill 1700 amends the Prior Authorization Transparency Act in Arkansas to increase accountability and transparency in the insurance prior authorization process. The bill mandates that utilization review entities provide specific contact information and credentials for physicians involved in adverse determinations, ensuring requesting providers have a pathway for peer-to-peer discussion. It requires that adverse determination notices include detailed explanations of clinical criteria and the specific medical reasoning behind denials. The legislation introduces a enforcement mechanism where the Arkansas State Insurance Department may deem a requested prior authorization automatically approved if a provider submits evidence of a violation of these communication requirements. Additionally, the bill strengthens requirements for informing patients of their right to appeal and provides clear instructions for filing complaints with state oversight boards.