Bill > S0656

This bill modifies Florida's health care billing and collection regulations by updating the definition of "extraordinary collection action" and providing new conditions under which licensed medical facilities can pursue debt collection. Specifically, the bill allows a facility to sell an individual's debt to another party without providing the standard 30-day notice, but with two key requirements: first, the debt cannot accrue additional interest or fees, and the debt purchaser cannot take extraordinary collection actions beyond what the original facility could do; second, if the debt is later determined to qualify for the facility's financial assistance policy, the debt must be returned to the original licensed facility. Extraordinary collection actions are broadly defined and include selling debt, reporting negative credit information, deferring medically necessary care due to unpaid bills, and various legal actions like placing liens, foreclosing property, seizing assets, filing civil lawsuits, or garnishing wages. The bill aims to provide some flexibility in debt collection while maintaining protections for patients, and is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Business and Industry

Health Policy (S), Rules (S)

https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2025/656