Massachusetts S538 establishes emergency response protocols for hospital bed capacity surges.

Massachusetts S538 mandates that the Division of Insurance, in collaboration with the Department of Public Health, direct health insurance carriers to waive prior authorization requirements for patient transportation or discharge during hospital bed capacity surges. This applies when hospital bed capacity rates meet or exceed 85% for 72 hours or more in a Health and Medical Coordinating Coalition Region, or when the Department of Public Health activates its Capacity Planning and Response Guidance for Acute Care Hospitals.

Massachusetts S538 establishes emergency response protocols for hospital bed capacity surges.

Massachusetts S538 mandates that the Division of Insurance, in collaboration with the Department of Public Health, direct health insurance carriers to waive prior authorization requirements for patient transportation or discharge during hospital bed capacity surges. This applies when hospital bed capacity rates meet or exceed 85% for 72 hours or more in a Health and Medical Coordinating Coalition Region, or when the Department of Public Health activates its Capacity Planning and Response Guidance for Acute Care Hospitals.