This bill aims to enhance medical cost transparency for health care facilities in North Dakota by establishing new requirements and penalties for non-compliance. A new section is added to chapter 23-12 of the North Dakota Century Code, mandating that health care facilities publicly disclose a list of standard charges for items and services, including shoppable services, in a format consistent with federal regulations. The Department of Health and Human Services is granted the authority to refuse or revoke licenses for facilities that violate these transparency requirements. Additionally, civil penalties of up to one thousand dollars per violation per day may be imposed, alongside other sanctions.

The bill also amends section 26.1-47-02 regarding preferred provider arrangements, introducing a requirement that these arrangements include an attestation from the preferred provider confirming compliance with federal transparency rules and regulations. Furthermore, if a preferred provider fails to comply with these transparency requirements, the health care insurer is allowed to terminate the contract without consent. These changes aim to ensure that both health care facilities and preferred providers adhere to transparency standards, ultimately benefiting patients by providing clearer information about health care costs.

Statutes affected:
INTRODUCED: 26.1-47-02