The "Hospital Price Transparency Act" requires hospitals to publicly disclose pricing information for medical items and services, ensuring patients have access to clear and comprehensive pricing. Hospitals must maintain a public list of standard charges, including gross charges, discounted cash prices, and negotiated charges with third-party payors. This information must be available in a machine-readable format on the hospital's website, updated at least annually, and accessible without requiring personal information or account creation. The Department of Health will monitor compliance, and hospitals that fail to meet these requirements may face civil penalties and corrective action plans.

Furthermore, the bill prohibits hospitals from initiating collection actions against patients for debts incurred during periods of noncompliance with the act. Patients can contest collection actions if they can demonstrate that the facility was noncompliant at the time services were provided. If a court finds a facility in violation, it must refund any payments made and cover the patient's legal costs. The act aims to enhance transparency in healthcare pricing, protect patients from unfair collection practices, and ensure accountability among healthcare providers. Additionally, HB0121 amends W.S. 35-2-905 to allow the division to take action against licensees who violate provisions related to healthcare compliance, including imposing conditions on licenses and the potential suspension or revocation of licenses. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, with certain sections becoming effective immediately.

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