Contra Costa Health Plan's (CCHP) Utilization and Review/Authorizations Unit has significantly increased its membership by over 40,000 members in just over a year and will inevitably continue to rise. With memberships rapidly increasing, the prior authorization requests that current Registered Nurses receive and review from multiple provider offices and in-patient prior authorization requests from the hospital must be processed in a timely manner to determine the appropriate treatment plan, prescription drug, or durable medical equipment is medically deemed as necessary. Adding one permanent part-time (26/40) Registered Nurse (VWXG) position will support utilization and review authorization efficiencies and support the unit's ability to meet request turnaround time goals.

If this request is not approved, the division will not have sufficient staffing to respond time to important patient services.