Protecting Patients from Automated Denials Act
The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.
Latest action (16 Jul 2026): Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
What this bill does
H.R. 9734, the Protecting Patients from Automated Denials Act, proposes to change how Medicare Advantage organizations use artificial intelligence (AI) when denying prior authorization requests for medical services. Under the bill, if an AI system is involved in a denial, a qualified physician reviewer must review and approve the denial. This physician must use independent medical judgment, confirm the denial wasn't solely AI-generated, and that any software was used for administrative purposes only. The bill also requires the MA plan to provide specific documentation and an opportunity to communicate with the physician reviewer to the provider who submitted the request, and to disclose the use of AI and the physician reviewer's National Provider Identifier to the patient.
This legislation would affect Medicare Advantage organizations, their medical directors, and qualified physician reviewers involved in prior authorization decisions. It would also impact healthcare providers submitting these requests and Medicare beneficiaries receiving denials. The bill requires MA plans to maintain records related to AI use and physician review for at least 10 years. Additionally, MA plans would need to report certain data regarding AI-based denials to the Secretary of Health and Human Services quarterly, starting in early 2027. The Secretary would be granted oversight authority to audit and inspect the use of AI in these denial processes.
The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives on July 16, 2026, by Representative Herbert Conaway and referred to the Committees on Ways and Means and Energy and Commerce. The bill's status is "Introduced," meaning it has not yet been passed by either chamber of Congress or signed into law. If it were to advance, it would proceed through the legislative process, which could include committee hearings, markups, floor debates, and votes in both the House and the Senate.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Timeline
16 Jul 2026
Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Common questions
- What does H.R. 9734 do?
- H.R. 9734, the Protecting Patients from Automated Denials Act, proposes to change how Medicare Advantage organizations use artificial intelligence (AI) when denying prior authorization requests for medical services. Under the bill, if an AI system is involved in a denial, a qualified physician reviewer must review and approve the denial. This physician must use independent medical judgment, confirm the denial wasn't solely AI-generated, and that any software was used for administrative purposes only. The bill also requires the MA plan to provide specific documentation and an opportunity to communicate with the physician reviewer to the provider who submitted the request, and to disclose the use of AI and the physician reviewer's National Provider Identifier to the patient. This legislation would affect Medicare Advantage organizations, their medical directors, and qualified physician reviewers involved in prior authorization decisions. It would also impact healthcare providers submitting these requests and Medicare beneficiaries receiving denials. The bill requires MA plans to maintain records related to AI use and physician review for at least 10 years. Additionally, MA plans would need to report certain data regarding AI-based denials to the Secretary of Health and Human Services quarterly, starting in early 2027. The Secretary would be granted oversight authority to audit and inspect the use of AI in these denial processes. The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives on July 16, 2026, by Representative Herbert Conaway and referred to the Committees on Ways and Means and Energy and Commerce. The bill's status is "Introduced," meaning it has not yet been passed by either chamber of Congress or signed into law. If it were to advance, it would proceed through the legislative process, which could include committee hearings, markups, floor debates, and votes in both the House and the Senate.
- Has H.R. 9734 become law?
- The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for H.R. 9734. Check the latest action and official source below.
- Who sponsored H.R. 9734?
- H.R. 9734 was sponsored by Rep. Conaway, Herbert C. [D-NJ-3] (D-NJ), with 2 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 9734?
- Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned. (16 Jul 2026).
Related bills in Health
Choices for Increased Mobility Act of 2026
Accelerating Access to Critical Therapies for ALS Reauthorization Act of 2026
340B Rebate Model Delay Act
Lower Premiums, Faster Payments Act
More bills from Rep. Conaway, Herbert C. [D-NJ-3]
PFB Act
To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 16 Rev Dr Martin Luther King Jr Drive in Willingboro, New Jersey, as the "James A. Cotten Post Office".
Bill100 mirrors the public U.S. legislative record from Congress.gov and GovTrack and adds plain-English AI summaries. It is an information tool, not legal, compliance or lobbying advice, and it is not affiliated with the U.S. Congress or any government agency. AI summaries can simplify or omit detail — every bill links to the official source; verify there before you rely on it.