The Louisiana Legislature has adopted a resolution urging the United States Congress to take action regarding the prior authorization processes used by insurance companies, which have been identified as significant barriers to timely healthcare access for Louisiana residents. The resolution highlights the negative consequences of these delays, including adverse health outcomes, increased costs, and added administrative burdens on healthcare providers. It calls for federal reforms to streamline and standardize the prior authorization process, ensuring that healthcare decisions prioritize patient needs rather than insurance protocols.

Specifically, the resolution requests the establishment of clear timelines for prior authorization decisions, the reduction of administrative burdens on providers, the elimination of prior authorization for generic medications, and the creation of a transparent appeals process for denied authorizations. It emphasizes the need for oversight mechanisms to ensure compliance with these reforms, advocating for a healthcare system that allows medical professionals to make decisions based on patient welfare rather than bureaucratic constraints. A copy of the resolution will be sent to relevant congressional leaders and Louisiana's congressional delegation.