Statement attributable to:Willie Underwood, MD, MSc, MPHPresident, American Medical Association“Quick-moving legislation to reform prior authorization—adopted today by the House Energy and Commerce Committee—shows that this idea has bipartisan support and political legs. For too long, Medicare Advantage plans have misused prior authorization to delay or deny medically necessary care for our patients. This legislation would bring greater transparency and accountability to the prior authorization process while reducing burdens that pull physicians away from caring for patients. The American Medical Association is the physicians’ powerful ally in patient care. As the only medical association that convenes 190+ state and specialty medical societies and other critical stakeholders, the AMA represents physicians with a unified voice to all key players in health care.