Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services of the Department of Health and Human Services relating to "Medicare Program; Implementation of Prior Authorization for Select Services for the Wasteful and Inappropriate Services Reduction (WISeR) Model".
- Bill Number
- H.J.Res. 187
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Health
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-05-19: 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.
- Last Updated
- 2026-07-09T21:04:17Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose This joint resolution expresses congressional disapproval of a specific administrative rule issued by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) within the Department of Health and Human Services. Its goal is to prevent the rule from taking effect, using the process outlined in federal law for reviewing agency rules.
Key Provisions Outlined
- The resolution disapproves the CMS rule titled “Medicare Program; Implementation of Prior Authorization for Select Services for the Wasteful and Inappropriate Services Reduction (WISeR) Model,” published on July 1, 2025.
- It references a Government Accountability Office opinion dated May 12, 2026, which classified the notice as a “rule” subject to congressional review.
- The resolution states that the rule shall have no force or effect if the disapproval passes.
- It was introduced by Representative Landsman (for himself and Representative DelBene) and referred to the House Committees on Ways and Means and Energy and Commerce.
Significant Changes to Existing Law Introduced This measure does not amend statutes directly. Instead, it applies the Congressional Review Act (chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code) to block an agency action that would otherwise become effective. The resolution nullifies the prior authorization requirements proposed under the WISeR Model.
Potential Impacts
- On government agencies: It would prevent CMS from implementing the WISeR Model’s prior authorization process for certain Medicare services.
- On citizens: Medicare beneficiaries and providers would not face the new prior authorization requirements intended to reduce what the model describes as wasteful or inappropriate services.
- No direct effects on international relations are addressed.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Medicare beneficiaries and healthcare providers subject to prior authorization rules.
- The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and the Department of Health and Human Services.
- The Government Accountability Office, which issued the opinion confirming the rule’s status.
- Congress, which exercises its oversight authority through this resolution.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- The resolution relies on the Congressional Review Act, a statutory mechanism allowing Congress to disapprove agency rules within a defined timeframe.
- It raises questions about the scope of administrative rulemaking versus legislative oversight in the Medicare program.
- The measure highlights ongoing congressional efforts to limit new regulatory requirements on Medicare services.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (7)
Rep. DelBene, Suzan K. [D-WA-1], Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large], Rep. Cohen, Steve [D-TN-9], Rep. Jayapal, Pramila [D-WA-7], Rep. Waters, Maxine [D-CA-43], Rep. Castor, Kathy [D-FL-14], Rep. Grijalva, Adelita S. [D-AZ-7]
Recent Actions
- 2026-05-19: 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.
- 2026-05-19: 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.
- 2026-05-19: Introduced in House
- 2026-05-19: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services of the Department of Health and Human Services relating to "Medicare Program; Implementation of Prior Authorization for Select Services for the Wasteful and Inappropriate Services Reduction (WISeR) Model". — issued 2026-05-19 — PDF (2 pages)