Bill > HB3856

This bill amends the Fair Patient Billing Act to change how hospitals provide itemized billing statements to patients. Previously, patients had to request an itemized bill, but now hospitals must proactively provide an itemized statement of charges for both inpatient and outpatient services, with an option for patients to opt out of receiving such a statement. The bill requires that the opt-out information be prominently displayed and clearly labeled, and must be presented to the patient before signing any billing-related documents. Importantly, the bill stipulates that patients cannot be under the influence of any anesthetic or mind-altering drugs when being given these documents. Hospitals can provide the itemized statement electronically, unless the patient specifically requests a physical copy. The bill also adds a significant enforcement mechanism by declaring that a hospital's failure to comply with these requirements constitutes an unlawful practice under the Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act, which could potentially subject non-compliant hospitals to legal penalties.

Health and Social Services

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocNum=3856&GAID=18&DocTypeID=HB&SessionID=114&GA=104