The bill amends Section 395.3011 of the Florida Statutes to enhance consumer protections regarding medical debt. It introduces new definitions, including "furnisher of medical debt information" and "medical debt," and specifies that information about medical debt that has been paid or settled by a consumer, as well as information regarding the satisfactory performance of a consumer under a payment plan, can be reported to consumer reporting agencies. The bill also outlines the conditions under which this information can be shared, emphasizing that it must be done fairly and accurately.

Additionally, the bill prohibits licensed facilities from engaging in "extraordinary collection actions" against individuals without first making reasonable efforts to determine eligibility for financial assistance, providing itemized bills, and allowing for a grace period after notifying the patient of impending collection actions. The bill aims to ensure that consumers are treated fairly in the context of medical debt and that positive payment behaviors are recognized in credit reporting. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
H 547 Filed: 395.3011