CMS releases Interoperability and Prior Authorization Final Rule 

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has issued a rule that requires healthcare providers to implement operational provisions by 1 January 2026 and encourages the adoption of electronic prior authorisation processes. The rule mandates that impacted payers send prior authorization decisions within 72 hours for urgent requests, and seven calendar days for standard requests. It requires the adoption and maintenance of Health Level 7 Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources application programming interfaces to improve electronic healthcare data exchange.