CA SB489

Extends the deadline for submitting payment requests for emergency treatment services from 30 days to 180 days after service is provided, while maintaining the 30-day deadline for non-emergency treatment.

Defines emergency treatment services as treatment for an emergency medical condition provided in a licensed general acute care hospital, as defined in the Health and Safety Code.

Requires emergency treatment and medical treatment for accepted compensable conditions within 30 days of injury to be authorized without prospective utilization review, with specified exceptions for pharmaceuticals, surgery, psychological services, and other enumerated treatments.

Establishes that utilization review processes must be accredited by an independent nonprofit organization by July 1, 2018, and requires employers to submit descriptions of their utilization review processes to the Administrative Director for approval.

Becomes operative on January 1, 2018.