Coalition releases prior authorization principles to facilitate patient access to care

The American Medical Association and 16 other health care organizations, including the AHA, today released a set of 21 principles for ensuring that prior authorization requirements do not hinder patient access to care. Members of the coalition – which includes representatives from hospitals, medical groups, patients, pharmacists and physicians – seek to work collaboratively with health plans and others to implement fair prior authorization programs that are consistent with these principles. The principles are grouped into five categories: clinical validity; continuity of care; transparency and fairness; timely access and administrative efficiency; and alternatives and exemptions.