HI HB2740

Establishes preauthorization standards for all Hawaii health insurers requiring that preauthorization requests be consistent with known, published, and current evidence-based appropriate-use criteria or guidelines for the relevant specialty or subspecialty.

Requires insurers to consult with in-network health care providers, utilize evidence-based support software when available, ensure timely completion of requests without undue delay, and maintain response times equal to or less than those permitted by Medicare, Medicaid, or other federal programs.

Prohibits preauthorization requirements for emergency medical services and mandates that third-party vendors reviewing preauthorization requests be available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Establishes that licensed health care providers shall be defended and indemnified by insurers for civil liability caused by the insurer's undue delay in preauthorization, and makes insurers civilly liable for any patient injury resulting from failure to meet the standards.

Applies standards to all health benefits plans under Hawaii Revised Statutes chapter 87A; effective July 1, 2050 and sunsets July 1, 2019; requires insurance commissioner to report to legislature by 2019.