An Act To Prohibit Hospitals from Discussing Alternative Payment Options with Hospitalized Patients

Sec. 1. 22 MRSA §1716,  as enacted by PL 1995, c. 653, Pt. B, §7 and affected by Pt. B, §8 and enacted by c. 696, Pt. A, §36, is amended to read:

§ 1716. Charity care guidelines

The department shall adopt reasonable guidelines for policies to be adopted and implemented by hospitals with respect to the provision of health care services to patients who are determined unable to pay for the services received. The department shall adopt income guidelines that are consistent with the guidelines applicable to the Hill-Burton Program established under 42 United States Code, Section 291, et seq. (1995). The Except as provided in section 1716-A, the guidelines and policies must include the requirement that upon admission or, in cases of emergency admission, before discharge of a patient, hospitals must investigate the coverage of the patient by any insurance or state or federal programs of medical assistance. The guidelines must include provisions for notice to the public and the opportunity for a fair hearing regarding eligibility for charity care.

Sec. 2. 22 MRSA §1716-A  is enacted to read:

§ 1716-A.  Communication about alternative payment options with hospitalized patients

summary

This bill prohibits a hospital from communicating with a patient regarding alternative payment options at any time during a patient's hospitalization unless that communication is requested by the patient. The bill permits communication with a patient prior to or upon the patient's admission to the hospital or at the time of discharge.