Rhode Island 2026 Regular Session

Rhode Island House Bill H7347

Introduced
1/28/26  

Caption

Limits prior authorization requirements for rehabilitative and habilitative services. Also prohibits prior authorization for the first twelve (12) visits of a new episode of care and for ninety (90) days following a chronic pain diagnosis.

Impact

By limiting prior authorization requirements, HB 7347 is expected to improve patient access to critical rehabilitative services, particularly for those recovering from injuries or managing chronic pain. This legislation could significantly affect current state laws governing health insurance practices, creating a more patient-centered approach by facilitating timely access to care. The bill mandates that health insurance providers respond to prior authorization requests within twenty-four hours, which is designed to expedite care delivery for patients in need.

Summary

House Bill 7347 introduces significant changes to the prior authorization requirements for rehabilitative and habilitative services under health insurance policies in Rhode Island. The bill prohibits health insurance plans from requiring prior authorization for the first twelve visits of any new episode of rehabilitative care. Additionally, it restricts prior authorization for chronic pain-related rehabilitative services for the first ninety days following a chronic pain diagnosis. These changes aim to simplify the process for patients and providers to access necessary care without undue barriers.

Contention

While the bill has garnered support from various stakeholders who advocate for streamlined access to rehabilitative services, it may face opposition from health insurance companies concerned about the impact on their cost management and approval processes. Critics may argue that the new rules could lead to increased healthcare costs if there are no safeguards in place to ensure that the services rendered are necessary and medically appropriate. Dialogue surrounding the potential for misuse of services could become a primary point of contention as the bill moves through the legislative process.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI S0485

Limits prior authorization requirements for rehabilitative and habilitative services. Also prohibits prior authorization for the first twelve (12) visits of a new episode of care and for ninety (90) days following a chronic pain diagnosis.

RI H5623

Prohibits health insurance plans from requiring prior authorization for a new episode of rehabilitative care for twelve visits, or from requiring prior authorization for rehabilitative care for chronic pain for ninety days.

RI H5120

Provides an insurer would not impose prior authorization requirements for any service ordered by an in-network primary care provider.

RI S0053

Provides an insurer would not impose prior authorization requirements for any service ordered by an in-network primary care provider.

RI S0168

Provides an insurer would not impose prior authorization requirements for any service ordered by an in-network primary care provider.

RI S0121

Requires a report to be produced that focuses on prescription drug prior authorizations by January 1, 2026.

RI H5433

Requires a report to be produced that focuses on prescription drug prior authorizations by January 1, 2026.

RI S0684

Prohibits a policy of individual health insurance coverage from requiring prior authorization for prescriptions of generic medication.

RI H6317

Prohibits an insurer from imposing a requirement of prior authorization for any admission, item, service, treatment, test, exam, study, procedure, or any generic or brand name prescription drug ordered by a primary care provider.

RI S0786

Prohibits prior authorization or a step therapy protocol for the prescription of a nonpreferred medication on their drug formulary used to assess or treat an enrollee's bipolar disorder, schizophrenia or schizotypal.

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