Arkansas Code Title 23. Public Utilities and Regulated Industries § 23-99-1704. Prior authorization

(a) A contracting entity shall not require prior authorization for:

(b) A contracting entity may require a prior authorization for nonurgent and nonemergent ground or air ambulance services by an air ambulance.

(c) A decision on a request for prior authorization by a transportation benefit manager shall include a determination as to whether or not the individual is covered by a health benefit plan and eligible to receive the requested ambulance services under the health benefit plan as a subscriber.

(d) A transportation benefit manager shall not rescind, limit, condition, or restrict a prior authorization based upon medical necessity.

(e) A transportation benefit manager shall provide ambulance providers with a direct contact number, that is answered twenty-four (24) hours a day, seven (7) days a week, with which to obtain prior authorization for ambulance services.

(g) If a medical facility is required to obtain a prior authorization on behalf of the ambulance provider, the transportation benefit manager shall advise the ambulance provider of the requirement before ambulance transport.