The proposed bill, if enacted, would amend current statutes by adding a new section to Title 36, Chapter 29, Article 1 of the Arizona Revised Statutes. Specifically, it would prohibit the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System Administration (AHCCCS) from requiring 100 percent prepayment review for behavioral health services provided to members under the American Indian Health Program (AIHP) starting January 1, 2027. This prohibition would only be lifted if AHCCCS implements a corrective action plan and the provider is found to be noncompliant or not engaged in that plan.

In addition to this new provision, the bill would remove the existing requirement for prior authorization in favor of the specified prepayment review process. The bill also makes technical changes and removes the specification of the timeline for implementing a corrective action plan, thereby streamlining the process for behavioral health providers under the AIHP. Overall, these changes aim to enhance access to behavioral health services for American Indian members while ensuring accountability for providers.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 36-2930.07
Senate Engrossed Version: 36-2930.07