Bill > HB0539

This bill establishes new regulations for reporting medical debt in Tennessee, specifically prohibiting healthcare providers from reporting a patient's medical debt to consumer reporting agencies and preventing consumer reporting agencies from including medical debt records on consumer reports, starting July 1, 2025. The bill defines key terms such as "healthcare provider" (which includes licensed healthcare practitioners and facilities), "medical debt" (debt arising from healthcare services), and references federal definitions for "consumer report" and "consumer reporting agency". If a consumer reporting agency mistakenly includes medical debt information, the affected person can dispute the 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 state unable to be taxed for costs associated with such proceedings. The bill does not prevent healthcare providers from reporting medical debt to debt collection agencies, maintaining a pathway for potential debt recovery while protecting patients' credit reports.

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https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=HB0539&ga=114