An Act advancing health care research and decision-making centered on patients and people with disabilities

This bill requires the Division of Medical Assistance and the Health Policy Commission to ensure that all healthcare research and analysis prioritizes the needs and outcomes of patients and people with disabilities. It mandates that these agencies publicly share standards for evaluating research, which include considering diverse patient subgroups and using rigorous scientific evidence while avoiding the over-interpretation of inconclusive data. Additionally, the legislation prohibits the use of specific cost-effectiveness measures, such as dollars-per-quality adjusted life year, when determining treatment coverage or reimbursement. The bill also ensures that any policies limiting patient access to treatments must include an appeals process and a mechanism for physicians to override those decisions without facing discrimination.