Enforcement of Federal No Surprises Act in West Virginia
The West Virginia Senate and House of Delegates passed House Bill (HB) 2005, which requires the state insurance commissioner to enforce applicable provisions of the Federal No Surprises Act (H.R. 133, Public Law 116-260) against health insurers, medical providers and healthcare facilities in the state. The measure, which goes into effect July 7, permits the commissioner to assess a fine of up to $10,000 per violation, whenever they determine, based on evidence that an insurer, medical provider or healthcare facility is violating the applicable provisions of the Federal No Surprises Act.
The commissioner also may: seek administrative penalties for violations of the No Surprises Act; get assistance from any other state government agency regarding regulatory enforcement; and call upon the state attorney general for legal assistance and representation as provided by law.
Repeal of Electronic Credentialing in Oregon
Governor Katherine Brown signed HB 2078, a measure to repeal the state’s electronic credentialing information program, into law May 21. The Oregon Health Authority’s (OHA) Office of Health Information Technology (OHIT) program was first created in 2011. It was responsible for facilitating the electronic exchange of health information, promoting standards and policies related to privacy and security of health information, and supporting improved health outcomes using health information technology. Additional measures were passed in 2013 to require OHIT to establish a common credentialing program for credentialing organizations (e.g., health plans and hospitals) to access the information necessary to credential or re-credential all healthcare practitioners in the state. The program was intended to simplify the administrative processes related to credentialing, reduce burden on practitioners and eliminate duplication for credentialing organizations. In 2018, OHA evaluated the proposed credentialing program's cost-effectiveness and decided to suspend the program permanently.
For more information, please contact Tina Getachew or Eugenia Brandt.
To stay current on state legislative developments relevant to radiology, view our policy map.