H1278 — An Act relative to wheelchair repair requirements and consumer protection

Summary

An Act relative to wheelchair repair requirements and consumer protection

Bill Text

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The bill establishes requirements for the timely repair of complex rehabilitation technology wheelchairs and limits preauthorization requirements for repairs based on prescription age.

• Chapter 93, Section 107 ½

  Section 107 ½. (A) As used in this section the following words shall have the following meanings unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:— ... (B) An authorized wheelchair dealer shall timely repair a wheelchair, including a complex rehabilitation technology wheelchair, ... (C) An authorized wheelchair dealer shall maintain an electronic mail address and a phone line for consumer repair requests ... (D) Manufacturers shall fill all repair and replacement orders for wheelchairs pursuant to this section ... (E) (1) Nothing contained in this section shall be deemed to limit any rights or remedies available to a consumer under any other law ...

  This adds a new section detailing definitions, repair obligations, consumer rights, and guidelines for wheelchair dealers and manufacturers.

• Chapter 118E, Section 10R

  Section 10R. For purposes of this section, “complex rehabilitation technology wheelchair” shall mean an individually-configured manual or motorized wheeled device ... The division and its contracted health insurers ... shall not require a preauthorization for any repair of a complex rehabilitation technology wheelchair unless the original prescription is more than five years old.

  This section prohibits health insurers from requiring preauthorization for repairs of specific wheelchairs unless prescription exceeds five years.

• Chapter 175, Section 47VV

  Section 47VV. For purposes of this section, “complex rehabilitation technology wheelchair” shall mean an individually-configured manual or motorized wheeled device ... Any policy ... shall not require a member to obtain a preauthorization for any repair of a complex rehabilitation technology wheelchair unless the original prescription is more than five years old.

  This section establishes similar preauthorization requirements for insurance policies under this chapter.

• Chapter 176A, Section 8WW

  Section 8WW. For purposes of this section, 'complex rehabilitation technology wheelchair' shall mean an individually configured ... shall not require a member to obtain a preauthorization for any repair ... unless the original prescription is more than five years old.

  This section similarly prohibits preauthorization requirements for specific wheelchair repairs for hospital service plans.

• Chapter 176B, Section 4WW

  Section 4WW. For purposes of this section, 'complex rehabilitation technology wheelchair' shall mean an individually-configured ... shall not require a member to ... unless the original prescription is more than five years old.

  This establishes preauthorization provisions for medical service agreement certificates.

• Chapter 176G, Section 4OO

  Section 4OO. For purposes of this section, 'complex rehabilitation technology wheelchair' shall mean an individually configured ... shall not require a member to obtain a preauthorization for any repair ... unless the original prescription is more than five years old.

  This section applies similar preauthorization requirements to health maintenance contracts.

• Chapter 176O, Section 25

  prior authorization for any repair of a complex rehabilitation technology wheelchair → ; provided, however, that a health plan shall not require a prior authorization for any repair of a complex rehabilitation technology wheelchair unless the original prescription is more than five years old.

  This specifies preauthorization criteria related to complex rehabilitation technology wheelchairs in health plans.

Sponsors

• James J. O'Day · Primary

Subjects