Bill > SB1972

This bill amends two existing laws, the Medical Patient Rights Act and the Veterinary Medicine and Surgery Practice Act of 2004, to prohibit healthcare providers and veterinarians from charging patients or clients fees for missed or late appointments. The bill provides a comprehensive definition of "health care provider" that includes numerous licensed medical professionals such as dentists, nurses, physicians, therapists, psychologists, and others. While banning late or missed appointment fees, the legislation does not prevent healthcare providers from developing incentive programs to encourage patients to attend scheduled appointments. Specifically, any healthcare provider or veterinarian who violates this provision will be subject to a petty offense and fined $500 for each violation. The bill aims to protect patients from punitive financial charges when they are unable to make an appointment on time or must cancel, potentially reducing financial barriers to seeking medical or veterinary care and acknowledging that patients may have legitimate reasons for missing appointments.

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocNum=1972&GAID=18&DocTypeID=SB&SessionID=114&GA=104