§ Â 3586. Effect and length of pre-authorization; limitation per episode of care [For application of this section, see 85 Del. Laws, c. 176, Â 4].

(a) A pre-authorization for pharmaceuticals shall be valid for 1 year from the date the health-care provider receives the pre-authorization, subject to confirmation of continued coverage and eligibility and to policy changes validly delivered as per § 3582 of this title and except as otherwise set by evidence-based treatment protocol.

(b) A pre-authorization for a health-care service shall be valid for a period of time that is reasonable and customary for the specific service, but no less than 90 days, from the date the health-care provider receives the pre-authorization, subject to confirmation of continued coverage and eligibility and to policy changes validly delivered as per § 3582 of this title.

(c) Limitation per episode of care. —

An insurer, health-benefit plan, or health-service corporation may not require more than 1 pre-authorization for an episode of care. Any new treatment or additional testing or procedures related or unrelated to the specific medical problem, condition, or illness being managed may require a separate pre-authorization.

(d) Pre-authorization of other covered services in-network. —

If a utilization review entity gives pre-authorization of a health-care service as part of a group of services for which a bundled payment is charged, pre-authorization of all other covered health-care services provided by in-network providers included in the group is deemed to be approved.