The bill amends the definition of "unprofessional conduct" in the medical field by adding two new items: refusal to submit medical bills to a health insurer when the claim arises from a motor vehicle accident or third-party claim, and failure to process requests for medical records or bills within fourteen days of a written request. It also removes the word "or" at the end of item 31, indicating the continuation of the list with these new insertions. Furthermore, the bill emphasizes the observance of patient rights standards in healthcare facilities, such as providing considerate care, furnishing the names of responsible physicians, the right to refuse treatment, privacy, reasonable responses to service requests, and proper information before transferring a patient to another facility.

Additionally, the bill mandates that healthcare facilities must inform patients about any human-subjects research and give them the right to refuse participation. It requires facilities to provide a summarized bill within 30 days of discharge and an itemized bill within 14 days of a written request. Health records must also be furnished within 14 days of a written request, and no charges are allowed for furnishing health records needed for certain types of appeals or claims. The bill sets forth requirements for the prompt processing of claims by health care entities or health plans, including payment within specific timeframes and prohibiting the denial of claims based solely on the claim arising from a motor vehicle accident or third-party claim, except for worker’s compensation claims. It also requires express written consent from the policyholder before making payment under first-party coverage and imposes a 12% per annum interest penalty for late reimbursements, with outlined exceptions. Definitions for relevant terms are provided, and any contract provisions inconsistent with this section are declared void. The act will take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
102: 5-37-5.1, 23-17-19.1, 27-18-61, 27-19-52, 27-20-47, 27-41-64