This bill enacts new provisions under R.S. 46:446.2 (E) and (F) concerning third-party liability for prior authorizations and state claim inquiries related to medical assistance. It mandates that third parties requiring prior authorization for healthcare items or services must accept authorizations provided by the department as valid, treating them as if they were prior authorizations made by the third party. Additionally, the bill outlines specific responsibilities for third parties, including a requirement to respond to inquiries from the department within sixty days and prohibits denial of claims based solely on submission dates, claim form types, or documentation issues at the point-of-sale.

Furthermore, the bill stipulates that third parties cannot deny claims based on the lack of prior authorization if the department submits the claim within three years of the service date and initiates enforcement actions within six years. This legislation aims to streamline the claims process and ensure that individuals eligible for medical assistance receive the necessary coverage without undue barriers from third-party entities. The act will take effect upon the governor's signature or after the designated period for bills to become law without signature.