Bill > HB263

This bill establishes the Hospital Price Transparency Act, which requires hospitals to provide detailed, publicly accessible pricing information on their websites. Hospitals must publish a machine-readable digital file and a consumer-friendly list containing comprehensive charge information for their services, including gross charges, negotiated rates with different payors, discounted cash prices, and specific billing codes for at least 300 shoppable services. The information must be free, easily searchable, and updated annually, with hospitals prohibited from requiring user accounts or personal information to access the pricing details. The Health Care Authority will oversee implementation, develop a standardized template for pricing information, and create a system for receiving and investigating complaints about non-compliance. Hospitals found in violation can face escalating financial penalties ranging from $2,500 to $15,000 per incident, and are barred from pursuing debt collection against patients if they are not adhering to the transparency requirements. Additionally, the bill mandates that hospitals provide patients with detailed, itemized statements and contact information before initiating any collection actions, and gives patients the right to pursue civil action if a hospital violates the transparency provisions.

Health and Social Services

https://www.nmlegis.gov/Legislation/Legislation?chamber=H&legtype=B&legno=263&year=25