Bill > SB0225

This bill makes several changes to Indiana law concerning healthcare matters, primarily focusing on medical debt collection and hospital operations. It amends the definition of an "ambulatory outpatient surgical center" to remove the requirement that physicians performing procedures there must have specific hospital privileges, simplifying the criteria for such facilities. A significant provision establishes new restrictions on medical debt collection: hospitals, debt collectors, or other third parties cannot pursue medical debt if the hospital is found to be noncompliant with certain statutes. The Indiana Department of Health (state department) will now semiannually assess hospital compliance and notify hospitals of their status. If a hospital is determined to be noncompliant, the Attorney General can suspend its authority to collect medical debt, and individuals can use this noncompliance as a defense in debt collection lawsuits. Furthermore, hospitals must now provide the state department with 60 days' written notice before closing entirely or eliminating a specific service line (like emergency or obstetrics) for more than 90 days, though waivers are possible in emergencies or for public health reasons. The bill also defines "medical debt" as an amount owed for healthcare services that is at least 120 days past due.

Health and Social Services

https://iga.in.gov/legislative/2026/bills/senate/225/details