SB476Introduced in the Senate
Health insurance; prior authorization requests reviewed by physician.
Introduced by Bill DeSteph, District 20
What does this bill do?
Plain-English breakdown
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Official description
Health insurance; prior authorization requests reviewed by physician. Requires a provider contract between a health insurance carrier and a provider to contain provisions requiring (i) any decision to deny a prior authorization request for drug benefits or health care services is made by a licensed physician who is (a) an expert in the treatment of the enrollee's medical condition that is the subject of the prior authorization request and (b) knowledgeable about the recommended health care service or treatment through recent or current actual clinical experience treating patients with the same or similar medical condition of the enrollee and (ii) if the carrier is questioning the medical necessity of the request, the carrier will provide the enrollee's physician an opportunity to discuss the medical necessity of the health care service with the physician who will be responsible for determining authorization of the health care service or drug benefit under review.
Where it stands
Passed by indefinitely in Commerce and Labor (8-Y 6-N)
January 26, 2026
How did lawmakers vote?
SenateStage: Passed by indefinitely in Commerce and Labor (8-Y 6-N) · January 26, 2026
8
Yes
6
No
1
Absent or Not Voting
15 senators recorded in this Senate vote. Colors show vote categories only, not whether a vote was good or bad.
What do people think?
Citizen Voice
How would you vote on this bill?
An unofficial public opinion poll. It does not affect the bill or the official vote.
One response per device. Location is self-reported and not verified. Results are informal and not a scientific survey.
See how each senator voted
| Senator | District | Vote |
|---|---|---|
| Mark Obenshain | 2 | Absent |
| William Stanley | 7 | No |
| Mark Peake | 8 | No |
| Creigh Deeds | 11 | Yes |
| Lamont Bagby | 14 | Yes |
| Louise Lucas | 18 | Yes |
| Bill DeSteph | 20 | No |
| Aaron Rouse | 22 | Yes |
| Mamie Locke | 23 | Yes |
| Ryan McDougle | 26 | No |
Bill history
Prefiled and ordered printed; Offered 01-14-2026 26100972D
Referred to Committee on Commerce and Labor
Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (SB476)
Passed by indefinitely in Commerce and Labor (8-Y 6-N)
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