On Sep. 11, CAL LEG passed bill to delay API implementation date.
CAL LEG passed bill AB 2198 to delay health care service plan, insurer requirements to maintain patient and health information application programming interfaces (APIs).
Amends Health and Safety Code (HSC) CAL LEG 2-5-1374.196 (plan licensing) and Insurance Code (INS), CAL INS 2-2-10133.12 (life and disability insurance contracts).
Existing Requirements
Current law requires health care service plans and insurers to establish and maintain patient access API, payer-to-payer exchange API, provider directory API as described 42 CFR 422.119(a) to (e), 42 CFR 422.119(f), 42 CFR 422.120 re Medicare Advantage.
Also gives authorizing California departments ability to require provider access API and prior authorization support API if final rules are published by the federal government.
Existing requirements became effective Jan. 1, 2024 for health plans and for insurers.
Bill Provisions
Requires the departments, starting Jan. 1, 2027 or when final federal rules are implemented, whichever later, to impose the API requirements on plans and insurers.
Allows authorizing departments to issue compliance guidance to plans and to insurers.
Legislative History
On Feb. 7, 2024, bill introduced in Assembly; on May 21, 2024, bill passed Assembly.
On May 22, 2024, bill introduced in Senate; on Aug. 28, 2024, bill passed in Senate.
On Aug.29, 2024, bill passed in Assembly with Senate amendments, sent to enrolling.
On Sep, 3, 2024, bill enrolled; on Sep. 11, 2024, enrolled bill presented to governor.
Effectiveness
No effective date specified; generally effective Jan. 1 after enactment, on Jan. 1, 2025.
Sep. 22, 2024 CAL LEG Governor Approval
On Sep. 22, 2024, CAL LEG governor approved bill AB-2198 and assigned Ch. 386.
Regulators
CAL LEG
Entity Types
Ins
Reference
Ch. 386, 9/22/2024; Bill, AB2198, 9/11/2024; Citation: CAL INS 2-2-10133.12; CAL LEG 2-5-1374.196; 42 CFR 422.119; 42 CFR 422.120;
Functions
Privacy; Product Administration; Record Retention; Reporting; Technology
