(SACRAMENTO, CA) – Assemblymember John Harabedian (D-Pasadena) announced that AB 512, the Timely Access to Care Act (TACA), has passed the California Legislature and is now on Governor Gavin Newsom’s desk for consideration.
AB 512 speeds up prior authorization to ensure Californians are not left waiting for essential care. For urgent requests submitted electronically, the review period is reduced from 72 hours to 24 hours, and for those submitted through non-electronic means, from 72 hours to 48 hours. Non-urgent requests submitted electronically see their processing time shortened from five business days to three, while the current five-business-day limit remains for non-urgent requests submitted non-electronically. By accelerating these timelines, AB 512 removes unnecessary administrative delays, prioritizing patient needs and improving access to care for Californians.
“By streamlining prior authorizations, the bill would provide timely access to care, allow physicians to focus on treating patients rather than paperwork, and ensure health plans are accountable for timely patient care decisions," said Assemblymember John Harabedian (D-Pasadena). “I urge Governor Gavin Newsom to sign this critical reform into law so that Californians can get the care they need without unnecessary delays.”
This bill establishes clear, timely standards for approvals, ensuring care can move forward promptly without being held up by administrative hurdles.
“With AB 512 heading to the Governor’s desk, California is closer to ensuring that patients can get the care they need without bureaucratic delays,” said California Medical Association President Shannon Udovic-Constant, M.D. “This much-needed reform slashes response times for prior authorization – especially for urgent requests when lives are often on the line – and rightly prioritizes timely patient care over unnecessary red tape.”
AB 512 will receive the Governor’s decision to sign or veto the bill by October 12th at the latest.
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Assemblymember John Harabedian represents the 41st District composed of the cities of La Cañada Flintridge, Pasadena, Altadena, Sierra Madre, Monrovia, Bradbury, San Dimas, La Verne, Claremont, Upland, Rancho Cucamonga, Oak Hills, Piñon Hills and Phelan.
