summary
Introduced
01/19/2021
01/19/2021
In Committee
03/13/2021
03/13/2021
Crossed Over
03/10/2021
03/10/2021
Passed
03/16/2021
03/16/2021
Dead
Signed/Enacted/Adopted
03/17/2021
03/17/2021
Introduced Session
2021 Regular Session
Bill Summary
AN ACT RELATING TO CONSUMER PROTECTION; ENACTING THE PATIENTS' DEBT COLLECTION PROTECTION ACT; PREVENTING COLLECTION FROM INDIGENT PATIENTS; REQUIRING HEALTH CARE FACILITIES TO SCREEN PATIENTS FOR ASSISTANCE ELIGIBILITY; REQUIRING HEALTH CARE FACILITIES TO PROVIDE PRICE AND PAYMENT INFORMATION; PROHIBITING DISCRIMINATORY PRICING; REQUIRING HEALTH CARE FACILITIES TO REPORT HOW INDIGENT CARE FUNDS ARE SPENT; LIMITING ENFORCEABILITY OF CERTAIN JUDGMENTS; MAKING VIOLATIONS OF THE PATIENTS' DEBT COLLECTION PROTECTION ACT AND THE COLLECTION AGENCY REGULATORY ACT UNFAIR OR DECEPTIVE TRADE PRACTICES; ADDING TO THE DEFINITION OF "COLLECTION AGENCY" IN THE COLLECTION AGENCY REGULATORY ACT; INCREASING SURETY BOND COVERAGE REQUIREMENTS; REMOVING ATTORNEY FEES AND COSTS FOR CERTAIN SUITS BY COLLECTION AGENCIES; AMENDING AND ENACTING SECTIONS OF THE NMSA 1978.
AI Summary
This bill, the Patients' Debt Collection Protection Act, enacts several key provisions to protect consumers from medical debt collection practices. It prevents health care facilities from pursuing collection actions against indigent patients, requires facilities to screen patients for eligibility for public insurance or financial assistance programs, mandates transparent billing information, and limits the enforceability of certain medical debt judgments. The bill also expands the definition of "collection agency" in the Collection Agency Regulatory Act, increases surety bond coverage requirements, and removes attorney fees and costs for certain collection agency lawsuits. Overall, the bill aims to enhance consumer protections and ensure equitable access to affordable health care.
Committee Categories
Health and Social Services, Justice
Sponsors (3)
Last Action
Signed by Governor - Chapter 31 - Apr. 5 (on 03/17/2021)
bill text
bill summary
Loading...
bill summary
Loading...
bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.nmlegis.gov/lcs/legislation.aspx?chamber=S&legtype=B&legno=71&year=21 |
| BillText | https://www.nmlegis.gov/Sessions/21%20Regular/final/SB0071.pdf |
| BillText | https://www.nmlegis.gov/Sessions/21%20Regular/bills/senate/SB0071.pdf |
Loading...