Bill > S2795

This bill requires healthcare providers to give patients, or their survivors or legal guardians, a clear and itemized bill for medical services received. This bill, which can be referred to as a consolidated statement, must be provided within 30 days of a patient's discharge or release, or within seven days of a written request. The bill must detail the specific nature of charges and expenses in plain language that an ordinary person can understand, though it may include defined technical medical terms. It prohibits the use of vague terms like "miscellaneous charges" and requires specific details for services like therapy, drug names (alongside codes), and services from hospital-based physicians who don't bill separately. The bill also mandates that the statement clearly identify what has been paid, what is owed by the patient, and the due date, and must prominently display contact information for a patient liaison to help resolve billing disputes. Healthcare facilities must also establish procedures to respond to billing questions within seven business days, and the bill specifies that providers cannot charge patients for preparing these detailed statements. The bill also directs regulatory bodies to create rules to ensure these plain-language billing requirements are met and are consistent with existing laws regarding patient billing disclosures.

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https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/S2795