The bill amends section 395.3011 of the Florida Statutes to revise the definition of "extraordinary collection action" and to establish conditions under which licensed facilities may engage in such actions to collect payment for healthcare services. The definition now includes actions such as selling an individual's debt, reporting adverse information to credit agencies, and taking legal actions like placing liens or garnishing wages. The bill also specifies that facilities 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 under certain conditions. Specifically, if a facility contracts to sell an individual's debt without incurring interest or fees and ensures that no further extraordinary collection actions are taken by the debt purchaser, they may proceed without the notice. Furthermore, if the debt is later deemed eligible for charity care under the facility's financial assistance policy, it must be returned to the facility. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
S 656 Filed: 395.3011