The bill amends section 395.3011 of the Florida Statutes to revise the definition of "extraordinary collection action" and to authorize licensed facilities to engage in such actions under specific circumstances. The definition now includes various actions a facility may take to collect payment for care, such as selling an individual's debt, reporting adverse information to credit agencies, and initiating legal processes. The bill also specifies that a facility cannot engage in extraordinary collection actions for 30 days after notifying the patient in writing about the impending action.

Additionally, the bill introduces new provisions allowing facilities to bypass the 30-day notice requirement if certain conditions are met. These conditions include the facility contracting to sell an individual's debt without incurring interest or fees and ensuring that no other extraordinary collection actions are taken by the debt purchaser. Furthermore, if the debt is later deemed eligible for charity care under the facility's financial assistance policy, it must be returned to the licensed facility. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
S 656 Filed: 395.3011