Revises provisions relating to prior authorization for medical or dental care under health insurance plans. (BDR 57-883)

AB 470 revises rules for prior authorization in health insurance, directly affecting insurers (including Medicaid, public employee plans, and private insurers), healthcare providers, and patients. It prohibits prior authorization for emergency care, requires insurers to respond to non-urgent requests within 48 hours (24 hours for urgent care), and mandates that insurers publish their authorization procedures and decision criteria online. The bill also prevents insurers from denying coverage for medically necessary care if prior authorization wasn't required for that service at the time, and ensures approved requests remain valid for 12 months. These changes aim to reduce delays, increase transparency, and protect patients from coverage denials due to outdated or unclear authorization rules.