This bill modifies existing health care laws in Minnesota by updating the requirements for medical and dental practices to publicly disclose their standard charges for services. It amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 62J.826, to require that practices with varying revenue thresholds make their current standard charges available, starting with those earning over $50 million in 2024 and gradually lowering the threshold to include all practices by 2027. Additionally, the bill introduces a new definition for "collection action" and prohibits medical or dental practices from pursuing collection actions against patients if they are not in material compliance with the disclosure requirements.

Furthermore, the bill establishes provisions for patients and guarantors to take action if they believe a collection action was initiated in violation of the new rules. It allows them to seek court intervention, which could result in the medical or dental practice being required to refund payments and pay penalties. The bill also amends section 144.588 to ensure that hospitals must certify compliance with the new disclosure requirements before initiating collection actions or referring debts to third-party agencies. Overall, the legislation aims to enhance transparency in health care pricing and protect patients from unfair collection practices.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 62J.826, 144.588