This bill proposes several amendments to current law regarding patient rights and the processing of insurance claims. It adds a new definition of "unprofessional conduct" to the section related to the Board of Medical Licensure and Discipline, including actions such as fraudulent use of a license and refusing to submit medical bills to a health insurer. It also adds a new section on the rights of patients to healthcare facilities licensed under this chapter, including the right to refuse treatment and the right to privacy and confidentiality.

The bill also includes provisions regarding patient rights, such as the right to examine and receive an explanation of their medical bill and the right to treatment without discrimination. It requires healthcare facilities to provide patients with a summarized medical bill within 30 days of discharge and an itemized copy of the bill within 14 days of a written request. The bill also amends the prompt processing of claims for accident and sickness insurance policies, requiring health care entities or health plans to pay all complete claims for covered health care services within 40 calendar days of receipt of a complete claim. It also prohibits health care entities or health plans from denying a claim based solely on the reason that it may arise from a motor vehicle accident or other third-party claim.

Statutes affected:
5165: 5-37-5.1, 23-17-19.1, 27-18-61, 27-19-52, 27-20-47, 27-41-64