Bill > H4069

This bill adds a new section to South Carolina law that establishes patient billing requirements for healthcare facilities, effective January 1, 2026. The bill requires healthcare facilities (which include hospitals, surgical centers, hospice facilities, and other medical treatment centers) to provide patients with detailed, itemized bills for healthcare services either electronically or in writing. These itemized bills must include a plain language description of each service or supply, the total amount due from the patient, and any billing codes submitted to third-party insurers. Patients can choose their preferred method of receiving the bill and may request an itemized bill at any time, though they can also choose to waive this right. Importantly, the bill stipulates that a healthcare facility cannot pursue debt collection against a patient until an itemized bill has been provided or the patient has waived their right to receive one. The bill also protects collection agencies from liability for billing inaccuracies originating from healthcare facilities, requiring them to return accounts to the facility if such inaccuracies are discovered. If a healthcare facility fails to comply with these requirements, the appropriate licensing authority can take disciplinary action against them, similar to other licensing law violations.

Health and Social Services

https://www.scstatehouse.gov/billsearch.php?billnumbers=4069&session=126&summary=B