HB 1354 Georgia House · 2025-2026 Regular Session

Surprise Billing Consumer Protection Act; require certain health insurers providing a network plan to approve credentialing applications within a certain time frame

Summary

A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Chapter 20E of Title 33 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, the "Surprise Billing Consumer Protection Act," so as to require certain health insurers providing a network plan to approve credentialing applications within a certain time frame; to provide for the Department of Insurance to establish a standardized credentialing application; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

Issues: ✓ Healthcare

Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared

Introduction

Feb 2026

Committee Review

Floor Vote

Governor

Introduced Feb 18, 2026 Last action Feb 25, 2026

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What changed between versions

LC 52 1011/a → LC 52 1060S/hs · 6 edits

MODERATE

The bill was amended by the House Budget and Fiscal Affairs Oversight Committee to shift its focus from the Surprise Billing Consumer Protection Act to general insurance provisions, expanding the scope from network plan requirements to all health insurers. The amendment adds new definitions for credentialing and complete credentialing applications, establishes a standardized application process, and sets specific deadlines for implementation and rule promulgation.

Scope change

The bill's scope expanded from applying only to insurers providing network plans under the Surprise Billing Consumer Protection Act to applying to all health insurers under general insurance provisions.

SCOPE

Changed the chapter reference from Chapter 20E (Surprise Billing Consumer Protection Act) to Chapter 24 (insurance generally), broadening applicability to all health insurers rather than just those with network plans.

DEFINITION

Added new definitions for 'complete credentialing application' and 'credentialing' to clarify what constitutes a proper submission and verification process.

REQUIREMENT

Added requirement for health insurers to approve credentialing applications within 45 days if submitted in accordance with department rules.

Added requirement for the Department of Insurance and Department of Community Health to coordinate with stakeholders to establish a standardized credentialing application.

TIMELINE

Set specific deadlines: rules must be promulgated by January 1, 2027, and standardized credentialing application must be utilized by all insurers by July 1, 2027.

ENFORCEMENT

Added effective date of July 1, 2026, and retained the repeal of conflicting laws in a separate section.

Floor votes

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Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Feb 25, 2026

Lower · Passed

House Committee Favorably Reported By Substitute

lower

Feb 18, 2026

Introduced

House Hopper

lower

3 primary · 0 co-sponsors