This bill establishes new medical billing requirements aimed at enhancing transparency regarding the charges or expenses associated with health care services. It mandates that health care providers must deliver a consolidated, itemized statement or bill to patients, their survivors, or legal guardians within 30 days of discharge or within seven days of a written request. The bill specifies that the statement must be written in plain language that is understandable to the average person, while allowing for the inclusion of defined technical terms. Additionally, the bill outlines specific requirements for the content of the itemized statement, including detailed descriptions of services received, payment statuses, and contact information for billing inquiries.

Furthermore, the bill requires health care facilities to establish policies for addressing patient inquiries about billing statements and mandates that responses be provided within seven business days. It also directs the Board of Medical Examiners and the Department of Health, in consultation with relevant departments, to adopt rules that ensure the development of plain-language billing statements and consistent disclosure practices across health care providers and facilities. The act is set to take effect immediately and will apply to health care services performed starting 24 months after its enactment.