This bill aims to prohibit facility fees for nonemergency services provided at provider-based clinics in Minnesota. It defines a "facility fee" as any additional charge by a provider-based clinic beyond the professional fee for physicians' services, intended to cover various operational expenses. The bill specifically prohibits health care providers from charging facility fees for nonemergency services at these clinics, including telehealth services, and for outpatient evaluation and management services, regardless of the service location. Additionally, it mandates that hospitals and health systems submit annual reports to the commissioner of health detailing facility fees charged, billed, and collected, along with specific information about patient visits and revenue generated from these fees.

Furthermore, the bill includes enforcement provisions, allowing the attorney general to address violations as unlawful business practices, and grants the commissioner of health the authority to impose administrative penalties for noncompliance with reporting requirements. It also allows for audits of health care providers to ensure adherence to the new regulations. Notably, the bill repeals the existing Minnesota Statutes section 62J.824, which previously required provider-based clinics to disclose facility fees to patients prior to service delivery.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 62J.824
1st Engrossment: 62J.824
2nd Engrossment: 62J.824