Bill > SB0402

This bill introduces new regulations concerning medical debt reporting in Tennessee, prohibiting healthcare providers from reporting a patient's medical debt to consumer reporting agencies starting July 1, 2025. The legislation defines key terms such as "medical debt" (expenses arising from healthcare services), "healthcare provider" (licensed professionals or facilities), and "consumer reporting agency" (as defined under federal law). Under the new law, consumer reporting agencies are banned from including medical debt records on consumer reports, and if they do so, individuals have the right to dispute such information under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act. Violations of these provisions are considered violations of the Tennessee Consumer Protection Act, making them unfair or deceptive practices subject to penalties. The attorney general is granted investigative and enforcement authority to pursue actions against violators in Davidson County circuit or chancery court, with the stipulation that the state cannot be taxed for costs associated with these legal proceedings. The bill aims to protect consumers from potential negative credit impacts stemming from medical debt by preventing such debt from appearing on credit reports.

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https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=SB0402&ga=114