This bill modifies existing health care laws in Minnesota by updating the requirements for medical and dental practices to publicly disclose their current standard charges. It amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, specifically section 62J.826, to include new definitions and requirements for practices with varying revenue thresholds over the next few years. Notably, it introduces a new definition for "collection action" and stipulates that practices must make their standard charges available to the public, with a phased approach based on revenue, starting from $50 million in 2024 and decreasing to any amount by 2027.

Additionally, the bill establishes protections for patients and guarantors against collection actions if a medical or dental practice is not in material compliance with the disclosure requirements. It allows patients to take legal action if they believe a practice has violated these provisions, and mandates that courts order refunds and penalties if such violations are confirmed. The bill also amends section 144.588 to require hospitals to certify compliance with the new disclosure requirements before initiating collection actions or referring debts to third-party agencies.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 62J.826, 144.588