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ME LD953

ME LD953
An Act to Protect Maine Patients Regarding Hospital Price Transparency


summary

Introduced
03/02/2023
In Committee
03/02/2023
Crossed Over
06/12/2023
Passed
06/14/2023
Dead
06/16/2023

Introduced Session

Potential new amendment
131st Legislature

Bill Summary

This bill requires that hospitals comply with the price transparency requirements established at 45 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 180, as in effect on January 1, 2023. It provides that upon application of the Attorney General, the Department of Health and Human Services or any affected patient, the Superior Court or District Court has full jurisdiction to enforce the price transparency laws. It prohibits a hospital from billing a patient, a patient guarantor or a 3rd-party payor for items or services provided to the patient, and requires that a hospital refund any payment made for items or services provided, on a date the hospital was in violation of the price transparency laws, as determined by a court, and provides for monetary penalties.

AI Summary

This bill requires hospitals in Maine to comply with federal price transparency regulations as of January 1, 2023. It grants the state's Attorney General, Department of Health and Human Services, or any affected patient the ability to seek court enforcement of the price transparency laws. The bill prohibits hospitals from billing patients, their guarantors, or third-party payers for services provided on dates when the hospital was not in compliance with the transparency requirements. If a court finds a hospital in violation, it must refund any payments made, pay a penalty equal to the debt amount, dismiss any related collection actions, and remove any related credit reporting. The bill aims to ensure hospital price transparency and protect patients from being charged for services when the required pricing information was not disclosed.

Committee Categories

Health and Social Services

Sponsors (6)

Last Action

Enactment Failed, Jun 16, 2023 (on 06/16/2023)

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