Bill > SB519

This bill introduces new regulations for hospitals regarding debt collection practices, focusing on protecting patients from aggressive collection actions when a hospital is not in compliance with price transparency laws. The bill defines several key terms, including "collection action," which encompasses activities like referring a debt to a collection agency, suing a patient, or reporting debt to a consumer reporting agency. A hospital is prohibited from initiating or pursuing a collection action against a patient or patient guarantor for a debt related to medical items or services if the hospital was not materially complying with hospital price transparency laws at the time the services were provided. The bill does not prevent hospitals from billing patients, patient guarantors, or third-party payers, nor does it require hospitals to refund payments already made. The law specifically defines terms like "debt," "debt collector," and "collection agency" to provide clear legal parameters. Importantly, the bill will become effective on November 1, 2025, giving hospitals time to prepare for these new restrictions and ensuring patients are protected from potentially unfair debt collection practices when hospitals fail to meet transparency requirements.

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http://www.oklegislature.gov/BillInfo.aspx?Bill=sb519&Session=2600