Aligning the implementation of application programming interfaces for prior authorization with federal guidelines.

HB 1706 requires health insurance carriers in Washington to implement digital systems (application programming interfaces) for prior authorization that align with federal standards. It sets strict time limits: carriers must decide on electronic prior authorization requests within 3 days (standard) or 1 day (expedited), and within 5 days (standard) or 2 days (expedited) for non-electronic requests. The bill mandates carriers to maintain evidence-based clinical review criteria that address disparities for underserved populations and adopt federal interoperability standards for electronic health data exchange. This directly affects insurance companies and healthcare providers who submit prior authorization requests, streamlining processes for both. The law takes effect July 27, 2025.