The proposed legislation would bar payers from imposing prior authorization requirements for any admission, item, service, treatment or procedure ordered by an in-network primary care provider, according to a Jan. 23 news release from the Rhode Island General Assembly.
Rhode Island Medical Society President Kara Stavros, MD, said that the legislation is a “step in the right direction to address the significant challenges physicians face due to prior authorization requirements.”
“These burdens delay care, increase administrative strain, and ultimately impact patient outcomes,” Dr. Stavros said.
If signed into law, the bill would take effect July 1, 2026.
