Colorado 2022 Regular Session

Colorado House Bill HB1285 Compare Versions

Version 1 (Old)

Version 2 (New)

Old	New		Differences
	1	+	Second Regular Session
	2	+	Seventy-third General Assembly
	3	+	STATE OF COLORADO
	4	+	REREVISED
	5	+	This Version Includes All Amendments
	6	+	Adopted in the Second House
	7	+	LLS NO. 22-0589.01 Brita Darling x2241
1	8		HOUSE BILL 22-1285
2		-	BY REPRESENTATIVE(S) Neville and Esgar, Daugherty, Amabile,
3		-	Bernett, Bird, Boesenecker, Carver, Duran, Herod, Jodeh, Kennedy, Kipp,
4		-	Lindsay, Lontine, McCluskie, McCormick, Michaelson Jenet, Ortiz, Pico,
5		-	Roberts, Sirota, Snyder, Titone, Valdez A., Van Winkle, Weissman,
6		-	Garnett, Baisley, Exum, Geitner, Luck, Pelton, Sandridge, Valdez D.,
7		-	Van Beber, Williams, Young;
8		-	also SENATOR(S) Moreno and Cooke, Bridges, Buckner, Coram,
9		-	Danielson, Donovan, Fields, Ginal, Gonzales, Hinrichsen, Holbert,
10		-	Jaquez Lewis, Kolker, Lee, Pettersen, Priola, Rankin, Rodriguez, Scott,
11		-	Sonnenberg, Story, Winter, Woodward, Zenzinger, Fenberg.
	9	+	House Committees Senate Committees
	10	+	Health & Insurance Health & Human Services
	11	+	A BILL FOR AN ACT
12	12		C
13		-	ONCERNING A PROHIBITION AGAINST A HOSPITAL TAKING CERTAIN DEBT
14		-	COLLECTION ACTIONS AGAINST A PATIENT IF THE HOSPITAL IS NOT IN
15		-	COMPLIANCE WITH HOSPITAL PRICE TRANSPARENCY LAWS
16		-	.
17		-
18		-	Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Colorado:
19		-	SECTION 1. In Colorado Revised Statutes, add part 8 to article 3
20		-	of title 25 as follows:
21		-	PART 8
22		-	CONSUMER PROTECTION RELATING TO
23		-	NOTE: This bill has been prepared for the signatures of the appropriate legislative
24		-	officers and the Governor. To determine whether the Governor has signed the bill
25		-	or taken other action on it, please consult the legislative status sheet, the legislative
26		-	history, or the Session Laws.
27		-	________
28		-	Capital letters or bold & italic numbers indicate new material added to existing law; dashes
29		-	through words or numbers indicate deletions from existing law and such material is not part of
30		-	the act. HOSPITAL PRICE TRANSPARENCY
	13	+	ONCERNING A PROHIBITION AGAINS T A HOSPITAL TAKING CERTAIN101
	14	+	DEBT COLLECTION ACTIONS AGAINST A PATIENT IF THE102
	15	+	HOSPITAL IS NOT IN COMPLI ANCE WITH HOSPITAL PRICE103
	16	+	TRANSPARENCY LAWS .104
	17	+	Bill Summary
	18	+	(Note: This summary applies to this bill as introduced and does
	19	+	not reflect any amendments that may be subsequently adopted. If this bill
	20	+	passes third reading in the house of introduction, a bill summary that
	21	+	applies to the reengrossed version of this bill will be available at
	22	+	http://leg.colorado.gov
	23	+	.)
	24	+	The bill prohibits a hospital or other person or entity collecting on
	25	+	behalf of the hospital from initiating or pursuing collection actions
	26	+	against a patient or patient guarantor for debt incurred by the patient on
	27	+	SENATE
	28	+	3rd Reading Unamended
	29	+	May 3, 2022
	30	+	SENATE
	31	+	Amended 2nd Reading
	32	+	May 2, 2022
	33	+	HOUSE
	34	+	Amended 3rd Reading
	35	+	April 26, 2022
	36	+	HOUSE
	37	+	Amended 2nd Reading
	38	+	April 22, 2022
	39	+	HOUSE SPONSORSHIP
	40	+	Neville and Esgar, Daugherty, Amabile, Bernett, Bird, Boesenecker, Carver, Duran,
	41	+	Garnett, Herod, Jodeh, Kennedy, Kipp, Lindsay, Lontine, McCluskie, McCormick,
	42	+	Michaelson Jenet, Ortiz, Pico, Roberts, Sirota, Snyder, Titone, Valdez A., Van Winkle,
	43	+	Weissman
	44	+	SENATE SPONSORSHIP
	45	+	Moreno and Cooke, Bridges, Buckner, Coram, Danielson, Donovan, Fenberg, Fields,
	46	+	Ginal, Gonzales, Hinrichsen, Holbert, Jaquez Lewis, Kolker, Lee, Pettersen, Priola, Rankin,
	47	+	Rodriguez, Scott, Sonnenberg, Story, Winter, Woodward, Zenzinger
	48	+	Shading denotes HOUSE amendment. Double underlining denotes SENATE amendment.
	49	+	Capital letters or bold & italic numbers indicate new material to be added to existing statute.
	50	+	Dashes through the words indicate deletions from existing statute. the date or dates of service when the hospital was not in compliance with
	51	+	federal hospital price transparency laws.
	52	+	Nothing in the bill:
	53	+	! Prohibits a hospital from billing a patient or health insurer
	54	+	for items or services provided to the patient; or
	55	+	! Requires a hospital to refund a payment made to the
	56	+	hospital for items or services provided to a patient.
	57	+	A hospital that initiates or pursues a prohibited collection action
	58	+	is subject to a penalty equal to the amount of the debt and must refund
	59	+	any amount paid on the debt and pay attorney fees and costs.
	60	+	The bill makes attempting to collect the debt an unfair practice
	61	+	under the "Colorado Fair Debt Collections Act".
	62	+	The bill authorizes the department of public health and
	63	+	environment, in considering a hospital's license renewal application, to
	64	+	consider whether the hospital is or has been in compliance with federal
	65	+	hospital price transparency laws.
	66	+	Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Colorado:1
	67	+	SECTION 1. In Colorado Revised Statutes, add part 8 to article2
	68	+	3 of title 25 as follows:3
	69	+	PART 84
	70	+	CONSUMER PROTECTION RELATING TO5
	71	+	HOSPITAL PRICE TRANSPARENCY6
31	72		25-3-801. Legislative declaration. (1) T
32		-	HE GENERAL ASSEMBLY
33		-	FINDS AND DECLARES THAT
34		-	:
	73	+	HE GENERAL ASSEMBLY7
	74	+	FINDS AND DECLARES THAT:8
35	75		(a) S
36		-	ECTION 1001 OF THE "PATIENT PROTECTION ~~AND AFFORDABLE~~
37		-	~~CARE ACT OF 2010", PUB.L. 111-148, AS AMENDED BY SECTION 10101 OF~~
38		-	~~THE~~
39		-	"HEALTH CARE AND EDUCATION ~~RECONCILIATION ACT OF 2010",~~
40		-	P
41		-	UB.L. 111-152, AMENDED TITLE XXVII OF THE "~~PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE~~
42		-	~~ACT", PUB.L. 78-410, IN PART, BY ADDING A NEW SECTION 2718(e),~~
43		-	~~REQUIRING~~, IN PART, ~~THAT EACH HOSPITAL OPERATING WITHIN THE UNITED~~
44		-	~~STATES ESTABLISH~~, ~~UPDATE~~, ~~AND MAKE PUBLIC A LIST OF THE~~ HOSPITAL'S
45		-	~~STANDARD CHARGES FOR~~ THE ~~ITEMS~~ AND ~~SERVICES THAT THE HOSPITAL~~
46		-	~~PROVIDES~~
47		-	;
	76	+	ECTION 1001 OF THE "PATIENT PROTECTION AND9
	77	+	A
	78	+	FFORDABLE CARE ACT OF 2010", PUB.L. 111-148, AS AMENDED BY10
	79	+	SECTION 10101 OF THE "HEALTH CARE AND EDUCATION RECONCILIATION11
	80	+	A
	81	+	CT OF 2010", PUB.L. 111-152, AMENDED TITLE XXVII OF THE "PUBLIC12
	82	+	H
	83	+	EALTH SERVICE ACT", PUB.L. 78-410, IN PART, BY ADDING A NEW13
	84	+	SECTION 2718(e), REQUIRING, IN PART, THAT EACH HOSPITAL OPERATING14
	85	+	WITHIN THE UNITED STATES ESTABLISH, UPDATE, AND MAKE PUBLIC A LIST15
	86	+	OF THE HOSPITAL'S STANDARD CHARGES FOR THE ITEMS AND SERVICES16
	87	+	1285-2- THAT THE HOSPITAL PROVIDES;1
48	88		(b) E
49		-	FFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2021, THE FEDERAL CENTERS FOR
50		-	MEDICARE AND MEDICAID SERVICES PUBLISHED THE FINAL RULE TO
51		-	IMPLEMENT THE LAW
52		-	, CODIFIED AT 45 CFR 180;
	89	+	FFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2021, THE FEDERAL CENTERS FOR2
	90	+	MEDICARE AND MEDICAID SERVICES PUBLISHED THE FINAL RULE TO3
	91	+	IMPLEMENT THE LAW, CODIFIED AT 45 CFR 180;4
53	92		(c) I
54		-	N ITS SUMMARY OF THE FINAL RULE , CMS STATES THAT
55		-	INFORMATION ON HOSPITAL STANDARD CHARGES IS NECESSARY FOR THE
56		-	PUBLIC TO
57		-	"MAKE MORE INFORMED DECISIONS ABOUT THEIR CARE " AND
58		-	THAT THE
59		-	"IMPACT OF THESE FINAL POLICIES WILL HELP TO INCREASE
60		-	MARKET COMPETITION
61		-	, AND ULTIMATELY DRIVE DOWN THE COST OF HEALTH
62		-	CARE SERVICES
63		-	, MAKING THEM MORE AFFORDABLE FOR ALL PATIENTS ";
	93	+	N ITS SUMMARY OF THE FINAL RULE , CMS STATES THAT5
	94	+	INFORMATION ON HOSPITAL STANDARD CHARGES IS NECESSARY FOR THE6
	95	+	PUBLIC TO "MAKE MORE INFORMED DECISIONS ABOUT THEIR CARE " AND7
	96	+	THAT THE "IMPACT OF THESE FINAL POLICIES WILL HELP TO INCREASE8
	97	+	MARKET COMPETITION, AND ULTIMATELY DRIVE DOWN THE COST OF9
	98	+	HEALTH CARE SERVICES, MAKING THEM MORE AFFORDABLE FOR ALL10
	99	+	PATIENTS";11
64	100		(d) O
65		-	N JULY 9, 2021, PRESIDENT BIDEN, BUILDING UPON EFFORTS OF
66		-	PAST PRESIDENTS
67		-	, ISSUED THE "EXECUTIVE ORDER ON PROMOTING
68		-	COMPETITION IN THE AMERICAN ECONOMY", DIRECTING THE SECRETARY OF
69		-	THE
70		-	UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES TO
71		-	SUPPORT NEW AND EXISTING PRICE TRANSPARENCY INITIATIVES FOR
72		-	HOSPITALS
73		-	;
	101	+	N JULY 9, 2021, PRESIDENT BIDEN, BUILDING UPON EFFORTS12
	102	+	OF PAST PRESIDENTS, ISSUED THE "EXECUTIVE ORDER ON PROMOTING13
	103	+	C
	104	+	OMPETITION IN THE AMERICAN ECONOMY", DIRECTING THE SECRETARY14
	105	+	OF THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES15
	106	+	TO SUPPORT NEW AND EXISTING PRICE TRANSPARENCY INITIATIVES FOR16
	107	+	HOSPITALS;17
74	108		(e) H
75		-	EALTH-CARE PRICE TRANSPARENCY IS IN THE BEST INTEREST OF
76		-	ALL
77		-	COLORADANS, INCLUDING:
	109	+	EALTH-CARE PRICE TRANSPARENCY IS IN THE BEST INTEREST18
	110	+	OF ALL COLORADANS, INCLUDING:19
78	111		(I) T
79		-	HE STATE GOVERNMENT , WHICH PURCHASES HEALTH -CARE
80		-	SERVICES FOR ALMOST A QUARTER OF ALL
81		-	COLORADANS;
	112	+	HE STATE GOVERNMENT , WHICH PURCHASES HEALTH -CARE20
	113	+	SERVICES FOR ALMOST A QUARTER OF ALL COLORADANS;21
82	114		(II) C
83		-	OLORADO BUSINESSES, WHICH FUND EMPLOYEE ~~MEDICAL~~
84		-	~~PAGE 2-HOUSE BILL 22-1285~~ EXPENSES; ~~AND~~
85		-	(III) ~~COLORADO RESIDENTS, WHO ULTIMATELY BEAR THE BRUNT OF~~
86		-	~~HIGH HEALTH~~
87		-	-CARE COSTS IN THE FORM OF HIGHER TAXES , ~~LOWER WAGES,~~
88		-	AND RESIDENTS' OWN OUT-OF-POCKET SPENDING;
	115	+	OLORADO BUSINESSES, WHICH FUND EMPLOYEE MEDICAL22
	116	+	EXPENSES; AND23
	117	+	(III) C
	118	+	OLORADO RESIDENTS, WHO ULTIMATELY BEAR THE BRUNT24
	119	+	OF HIGH HEALTH-CARE COSTS IN THE FORM OF HIGHER TAXES , LOWER25
	120	+	WAGES, AND RESIDENTS' OWN OUT-OF-POCKET SPENDING;26
89	121		(f) M
90		-	OREOVER, HEALTH-CARE PRICES IN COLORADO ARE ~~AMONG THE~~
91		-	~~HIGHEST IN THE NATION~~
92		-	;
	122	+	OREOVER, HEALTH-CARE PRICES IN COLORADO ARE AMONG27
	123	+	1285
	124	+	-3- THE HIGHEST IN THE NATION;1
93	125		(g) H
94		-	OWEVER, NOT ALL COLORADO HOSPITALS ARE IN COMPLIANCE
95		-	WITH ALL OF THE DISCLOSURE REQUIREMENTS UNDER FEDERAL LAW AND
96		-	OTHER STATE LAWS GOVERNING HEALTH
97		-	-CARE PRICE TRANSPARENCY; AND
98		-	(h) THIS LACK OF COMPLIANCE WITH HEALTH -CARE PRICE
99		-	TRANSPARENCY LAWS BY
100		-	COLORADO HOSPITALS DECREASES THE
101		-	LIKELIHOOD THAT
102		-	COLORADO CONSUMERS WILL BE FULLY AWARE OF
103		-	AFFORDABLE HEALTH
104		-	-CARE OPTIONS BEFORE PURCHASING ITEMS AND
105		-	SERVICES FROM HOSPITALS
106		-	, PLACING HEALTH-CARE CONSUMERS AT
107		-	GREATER RISK OF COLLECTION ACTIONS AND OTHER ADVERSE ACTIONS
108		-	RELATING TO UNPAID MEDICAL BILLS
109		-	.
	126	+	OWEVER, NOT ALL COLORADO HOSPITALS ARE IN2
	127	+	COMPLIANCE WITH ALL OF THE DISCLOSURE REQUIREMENTS UNDER3
	128	+	FEDERAL LAW AND OTHER STATE LAWS GOVERNING HEALTH -CARE PRICE4
	129	+	TRANSPARENCY; AND5
	130	+	(h) T
	131	+	HIS LACK OF COMPLIANCE WITH HEALTH -CARE PRICE6
	132	+	TRANSPARENCY LAWS BY COLORADO HOSPITALS DECREASES THE7
	133	+	LIKELIHOOD THAT COLORADO CONSUMERS WILL BE FULLY AWARE OF8
	134	+	AFFORDABLE HEALTH-CARE OPTIONS BEFORE PURCHASING ITEMS AND9
	135	+	SERVICES FROM HOSPITALS , PLACING HEALTH-CARE CONSUMERS AT10
	136	+	GREATER RISK OF COLLECTION ACTIONS AND OTHER ADVERSE ACTIONS11
	137	+	RELATING TO UNPAID MEDICAL BILLS.12
110	138		(2) T
111		-	HEREFORE, THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY FINDS AND DECLARES THAT
112		-	IT IS IMPERATIVE TO PROTECT
113		-	COLORADO HEALTH-CARE CONSUMERS FROM
114		-	COLLECTION ACTIONS AND OTHER ADVERSE ACTIONS TAKEN BY
115		-	COLORADO
116		-	HOSPITALS DURING THE TIME WHEN THE HOSPITAL WAS NOT IN MATERIAL
117		-	COMPLIANCE WITH HOSPITAL PRICE TRANSPARENCY LAWS INTENDED TO
118		-	PROTECT HEALTH
119		-	-CARE CONSUMERS.
	139	+	HEREFORE, THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY FINDS AND DECLARES13
	140	+	THAT IT IS IMPERATIVE TO PROTECT COLORADO HEALTH-CARE CONSUMERS14
	141	+	FROM COLLECTION ACTIONS AND OTHER ADVERSE ACTIONS TAKEN BY15
	142	+	C
	143	+	OLORADO HOSPITALS DURING THE TIME WHEN THE HOSPITAL WAS NOT IN16
	144	+	MATERIAL COMPLIANCE WITH HOSPITAL PRICE TRANSPARENCY LAWS17
	145	+	INTENDED TO PROTECT HEALTH -CARE CONSUMERS.18
120	146		25-3-802. Definitions. A
121		-	S USED IN THIS SECTION, UNLESS THE
122		-	CONTEXT OTHERWISE REQUIRES
123		-	:
	147	+	S USED IN THIS SECTION, UNLESS THE19
	148	+	CONTEXT OTHERWISE REQUIRES :20
124	149		(1) "C
125		-	OLLECTION ACTION" MEANS ANY OF THE ~~FOLLOWING ACTIONS~~
126		-	TAKEN WITH RESPECT TO A DEBT FOR ITEMS AND SERVICES ~~THAT WERE~~
127		-	PURCHASED FROM OR PROVIDED TO A PATIENT BY A HOSPITAL ON ~~A DATE~~
128		-	DURING WHICH THE HOSPITAL WAS NOT IN ~~MATERIAL COMPLIANCE WITH~~
129		-	~~HOSPITAL PRICE TRANSPARENCY LAWS~~
130		-	:
	150	+	OLLECTION ACTION" MEANS ANY OF THE FOLLOWING21
	151	+	ACTIONS TAKEN WITH RESPECT TO A DEBT FOR ITEMS AND SERVICES THAT22
	152	+	WERE PURCHASED FROM OR PROVIDED TO A PATIENT BY A HOSPITAL ON A23
	153	+	DATE DURING WHICH THE HOSPITAL WAS NOT IN
	154	+	MATERIAL COMPLIANCE24
	155	+	WITH HOSPITAL PRICE TRANSPARENCY LAWS :25
131	156		(a) A
132		-	TTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT FROM A PATIENT OR PATIENT
133		-	GUARANTOR BY REFERRING THE DEBT
134		-	, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, TO A DEBT
135		-	COLLECTOR
136		-	, A COLLECTION AGENCY, OR OTHER THIRD PARTY RETAINED BY
137		-	PAGE 3-HOUSE BILL 22-1285 OR ON BEHALF OF THE HOSPITAL;
	157	+	TTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT FROM A PATIENT OR PATIENT26 GUARANTOR BY REFERRING THE DEBT, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, TO A27
	158	+	1285
	159	+	-4- DEBT COLLECTOR, A COLLECTION AGENCY , OR OTHER THIRD PARTY1
	160	+	RETAINED BY OR ON BEHALF OF THE HOSPITAL ;2
138	161		(b) S
139		-	UING THE PATIENT OR PATIENT GUARANTOR , OR ENFORCING AN
140		-	ARBITRATION OR MEDIATION CLAUSE IN ANY HOSPITAL DOCUMENTS
141		-	INCLUDING CONTRACTS
142		-	, AGREEMENTS, STATEMENTS, OR BILLS; OR
143		-	(c) DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY CAUSING A REPORT TO BE MADE TO A
144		-	CONSUMER REPORTING AGENCY
145		-	.
146		-	(2) (a) "C
147		-	OLLECTION AGENCY" MEANS ANY:
148		-	(I) P
149		-	ERSON WHO ENGAGES IN A BUSINESS THE PRINCIPAL PURPOSE OF
150		-	WHICH IS THE COLLECTION OF DEBTS
151		-	; OR
152		-	(II) PERSON WHO:
153		-	(A) R
154		-	EGULARLY COLLECTS OR ATTEMPTS TO COLLECT , DIRECTLY OR
155		-	INDIRECTLY
156		-	, DEBTS OWED OR DUE OR ASSERTED TO BE OWED OR DUE TO
157		-	ANOTHER
158		-	;
159		-	(B) T
160		-	AKES ASSIGNMENT OF DEBTS FOR COLLECTION PURPOSES ;
	162	+	UING THE PATIENT OR PATIENT GUARANTOR , OR ENFORCING3
	163	+	AN ARBITRATION OR MEDIATION CLAUSE IN ANY HOSPITAL DOCUMENTS4
	164	+	INCLUDING CONTRACTS, AGREEMENTS, STATEMENTS, OR BILLS; OR5
161	165		(c) D
162		-	IRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY SOLICITS FOR COLLECTION DEBTS
163		-	OWED OR DUE OR ASSERTED TO BE OWED OR DUE TO ANOTHER
164		-	; OR
165		-	(D) COLLECTS DEBT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF PERSONNEL .
166		-	(b) "C
167		-	OLLECTION AGENCY" DOES NOT INCLUDE:
168		-	(I) A
169		-	NY OFFICER OR EMPLOYEE OF A CREDITOR WHILE , IN THE NAME
170		-	OF THE CREDITOR
171		-	, COLLECTING DEBTS FOR SUCH CREDITOR ;
172		-	(II) A
173		-	NY PERSON WHILE ACTING AS A COLLECTION AGENCY FOR
174		-	ANOTHER PERSON
175		-	, BOTH OF WHOM ARE RELATED BY COMMON OWNERSHIP
176		-	OR AFFILIATED BY CORPORATE CONTROL
177		-	, IF THE PERSON ACTING AS A
178		-	COLLECTION AGENCY DOES SO ONLY FOR CREDITORS TO WHOM IT IS SO
179		-	RELATED OR AFFILIATED AND IF THE PRINCIPAL BUSINESS OF THE PERSON IS
180		-	NOT THE COLLECTION OF DEBTS
181		-	;
182		-	(III) A
183		-	NY OFFICER OR EMPLOYEE OF THE UNITED STATES OR ANY
184		-	PAGE 4-HOUSE BILL 22-1285 STATE TO THE EXTENT THAT COLLECTING OR ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT ANY
185		-	DEBT IS IN THE PERFORMANCE OF THE OFFICER
186		-	'S OR EMPLOYEE'S OFFICIAL
187		-	DUTIES
188		-	;
189		-	(IV) A
190		-	NY PERSON WHILE SERVING OR ATTEMPTING TO SERVE LEGAL
191		-	PROCESS ON ANY OTHER PERSON IN CONNECTION WITH THE JUDICIAL
192		-	ENFORCEMENT OF ANY DEBT
193		-	;
194		-	(V) A
195		-	NY DEBT-MANAGEMENT SERVICES PROVIDER OPERATING IN
196		-	COMPLIANCE WITH OR EXEMPT FROM THE
197		-	"UNIFORM DEBT-MANAGEMENT
198		-	SERVICES ACT", PART 2 OF ARTICLE 19 OF TITLE 5;
199		-	(VI) A
200		-	NY PERSON COLLECTING OR ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT ANY
201		-	DEBT OWED OR DUE OR ASSERTED TO BE OWED OR DUE ANOTHER TO THE
202		-	EXTENT THAT
203		-	:
204		-	(A) T
205		-	HE ACTIVITY IS INCIDENTAL TO A BONA FIDE FIDUCIARY
206		-	OBLIGATION OR A BONA FIDE ESCROW ARRANGEMENT
207		-	;
208		-	(B) T
209		-	HE ACTIVITY CONCERNS A DEBT THAT WAS EXTENDED BY THE
210		-	PERSON
211		-	;
212		-	(C) T
213		-	HE ACTIVITY CONCERNS A DEBT THAT WAS NOT IN DEFAULT AT
214		-	THE TIME IT WAS OBTAINED BY THE PERSON
215		-	; OR
216		-	(D) THE ACTIVITY CONCERNS A DEBT OBTAINED BY THE PERSON AS
217		-	A SECURED PARTY IN A COMMERCIAL CREDIT TRANSACTION INVOLVING THE
218		-	CREDITOR
219		-	;
220		-	(VII) A
221		-	NY PERSON WHOSE PRINCIPAL BUSINESS IS THE MAKING OF
222		-	LOANS OR THE SERVICING OF DEBT NOT IN DEFAULT AND WHO ACTS AS A
223		-	LOAN CORRESPONDENT
224		-	, SELLER AND SERVICER FOR THE OWNER, OR HOLDER
225		-	OF A DEBT THAT IS SECURED BY A DEED OF TRUST ON REAL PROPERTY
226		-	WHETHER OR NOT THE DEBT IS ALSO SECURED BY AN INTEREST IN PERSONAL
227		-	PROPERTY
228		-	;
229		-	(VIII) A
230		-	LIMITED GAMING OR RACING LICENSEE ACTING PURSUANT
231		-	TO ARTICLE
232		-	33 OF TITLE 44.
233		-	(c) N
234		-	OTWITHSTANDING THE PROVISIONS OF SUBSECTION (2)(b) OF
235		-	PAGE 5-HOUSE BILL 22-1285 THIS SECTION, "COLLECTION AGENCY" INCLUDES ANY PERSON WHO, IN THE
236		-	PROCESS OF COLLECTING THE PERSON
237		-	'S OWN DEBTS, USES ANOTHER NAME
238		-	THAT WOULD INDICATE THAT A THIRD PERSON IS COLLECTING OR
239		-	ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT SUCH DEBTS
240		-	.
241		-	(3) (a) "C
242		-	ONSUMER REPORTING AGENCY " MEANS ANY PERSON THAT,
243		-	FOR MONETARY FEES, DUES, OR ON A COOPERATIVE NONPROFIT BASIS ,
244		-	REGULARLY ENGAGES , IN WHOLE OR IN PART , IN THE PRACTICE OF
245		-	ASSEMBLING OR EVALUATING CONSUMER CREDIT INFORMATION OR OTHER
246		-	INFORMATION ON CONSUMERS FOR THE PURPOSE OF FURNISHING CONSUMER
247		-	REPORTS TO THIRD PARTIES
248		-	. "CONSUMER REPORTING AGENCY " INCLUDES
249		-	ANY PERSON DEFINED IN
250		-	15 U.S.C. SEC. 1681a (f) OR SECTION 5-18-103 (4).
251		-	(b) "C
252		-	ONSUMER REPORTING AGENCY " DOES NOT INCLUDE ANY
253		-	BUSINESS ENTITY THAT PROVIDES CHECK VERIFICATION OR CHECK
254		-	GUARANTEE SERVICES ONLY
255		-	.
256		-	(4) (a) "D
257		-	EBT" MEANS ANY OBLIGATION OR ALLEGED OBLIGATION OF
258		-	A CONSUMER TO PAY MONEY ARISING OUT OF A TRANSACTION
259		-	, WHETHER OR
260		-	NOT THE OBLIGATION HAS BEEN REDUCED TO JUDGMENT
261		-	.
262		-	(b) "D
263		-	EBT" DOES NOT INCLUDE A DEBT FOR BUSINESS, INVESTMENT,
264		-	COMMERCIAL, OR AGRICULTURAL PURPOSES OR A DEBT INCURRED BY A
265		-	BUSINESS
266		-	.
267		-	(5) "D
268		-	EBT COLLECTOR" MEANS ANY PERSON EMPLOYED OR E NGAGED
269		-	BY A COLLECTION AGENCY TO PERFORM THE COLLECTION OF DEBTS OWED OR
270		-	DUE OR ASSERTED TO BE OWED OR DUE TO ANOTHER
271		-	.
272		-	(6) "F
273		-	EDERAL CENTERS FOR MEDICARE AND MEDICAID SERVICES " OR
274		-	"CMS" MEANS THE CENTER FOR MEDICARE AND MEDICAID SERVICES IN THE
275		-	UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES .
276		-	(7) "H
277		-	OSPITAL" MEANS, CONSISTENT WITH 45 CFR 180.20, A
278		-	HOSPITAL
279		-	:
	166	+	IRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY CAUSING A REPORT TO BE MADE TO6
	167	+	A CONSUMER REPORTING AGENCY .7
	168	+	(2) (a) "COLLECTION AGENCY" MEANS ANY:8
	169	+	(I) PERSON WHO ENGAGES IN A BUSINESS THE PRINCIPAL PURPOSE9
	170	+	OF WHICH IS THE COLLECTION OF DEBTS; OR10
	171	+	(II) PERSON WHO:11
	172	+	(A) REGULARLY COLLECTS OR ATTEMPTS TO COLLECT, DIRECTLY12
	173	+	OR INDIRECTLY, DEBTS OWED OR DUE OR ASSERTED TO BE OWED OR DUE13
	174	+	TO ANOTHER;14
	175	+	(B) TAKES ASSIGNMENT OF DEBTS FOR COLLECTION PURPOSES; 15
	176	+	(C) DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY SOLICITS FOR COLLECTION DEBTS16
	177	+	OWED OR DUE OR ASSERTED TO BE OWED OR DUE TO ANOTHER ; OR17
	178	+	(D) COLLECTS DEBT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF PERSONNEL .18
	179	+	(b) "COLLECTION AGENCY" DOES NOT INCLUDE:19
	180	+	(I) ANY OFFICER OR EMPLOYEE OF A CREDITOR WHILE, IN THE20
	181	+	NAME OF THE CREDITOR, COLLECTING DEBTS FOR SUCH CREDITOR ;21
	182	+	(II) ANY PERSON WHILE ACTING AS A COLLECTION AGENCY FOR22
	183	+	ANOTHER PERSON, BOTH OF WHOM ARE RELATED BY COMMON OWNERSHIP23
	184	+	OR AFFILIATED BY CORPORATE CONTROL, IF THE PERSON ACTING AS A24
	185	+	COLLECTION AGENCY DOES SO ONLY FOR CREDITORS TO WHOM IT IS SO25
	186	+	RELATED OR AFFILIATED AND IF THE PRINCIPAL BUSINESS OF THE PERSON26
	187	+	IS NOT THE COLLECTION OF DEBTS;27
	188	+	1285
	189	+	-5- (III) ANY OFFICER OR EMPLOYEE OF THE UNITED STATES OR ANY1
	190	+	STATE TO THE EXTENT THAT COLLECTING OR ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT2
	191	+	ANY DEBT IS IN THE PERFORMANCE OF THE OFFICER'S OR EMPLOYEE'S3
	192	+	OFFICIAL DUTIES;4
	193	+	(IV) ANY PERSON WHILE SERVING OR ATTEMPTING TO SERVE5
	194	+	LEGAL PROCESS ON ANY OTHER PERSON IN CONNECTION WITH THE6
	195	+	JUDICIAL ENFORCEMENT OF ANY DEBT ;7
	196	+	(V) ANY DEBT-MANAGEMENT SERVICES PROVIDER OPERATING IN8
	197	+	COMPLIANCE WITH OR EXEMPT FROM THE "UNIFORM DEBT-MANAGEMENT9
	198	+	SERVICES ACT", PART 2 OF ARTICLE 19 OF TITLE 5;10
	199	+	(VI) ANY PERSON COLLECTING OR ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT ANY11
	200	+	DEBT OWED OR DUE OR ASSERTED TO BE OWED OR DUE ANOTHER TO THE12
	201	+	EXTENT THAT:13
	202	+	(A) THE ACTIVITY IS INCIDENTAL TO A BONA FIDE FIDUCIARY14
	203	+	OBLIGATION OR A BONA FIDE ESCROW ARRANGEMENT ;15
	204	+	(B) THE ACTIVITY CONCERNS A DEBT THAT WAS EXTENDED BY THE16
	205	+	PERSON;17
	206	+	(C) THE ACTIVITY CONCERNS A DEBT THAT WAS NOT IN DEFAULT18
	207	+	AT THE TIME IT WAS OBTAINED BY THE PERSON ; OR19
	208	+	(D) THE ACTIVITY CONCERNS A DEBT OBTAINED BY THE PERSON AS20
	209	+	A SECURED PARTY IN A COMMERCIAL CREDIT TRANSACTION INVOLVING21
	210	+	THE CREDITOR;22
	211	+	(VII) ANY PERSON WHOSE PRINCIPAL BUSINESS IS THE MAKING OF23
	212	+	LOANS OR THE SERVICING OF DEBT NOT IN DEFAULT AND WHO ACTS AS A24
	213	+	LOAN CORRESPONDENT, SELLER AND SERVICER FOR THE OWNER , OR25
	214	+	HOLDER OF A DEBT THAT IS SECURED BY A DEED OF TRUST ON REAL26
	215	+	PROPERTY WHETHER OR NOT THE DEBT IS ALSO SECURED BY AN INTEREST27
	216	+	1285
	217	+	-6- IN PERSONAL PROPERTY;1
	218	+	(VIII) A LIMITED GAMING OR RACING LICENSEE ACTING PURSUANT2
	219	+	TO ARTICLE 33 OF TITLE 44.3
	220	+	(c) NOTWITHSTANDING THE PROVISIONS OF SUBSECTION (2)(b) OF4
	221	+	THIS SECTION, "COLLECTION AGENCY" INCLUDES ANY PERSON WHO, IN THE5
	222	+	PROCESS OF COLLECTING THE PERSON'S OWN DEBTS, USES ANOTHER NAME6
	223	+	THAT WOULD INDICATE THAT A THIRD PERSON IS COLLECTING OR7
	224	+	ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT SUCH DEBTS .8
	225	+	(3) (a) "CONSUMER REPORTING AGENCY" MEANS ANY PERSON9
	226	+	THAT, FOR MONETARY FEES, DUES, OR ON A COOPERATIVE NONPROFIT10
	227	+	BASIS, REGULARLY ENGAGES, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, IN THE PRACTICE OF11
	228	+	ASSEMBLING OR EVALUATING CONSUMER CREDIT INFORMATION OR OTHER12
	229	+	INFORMATION ON CONSUMERS FOR THE PURPOSE OF FURNISHING13
	230	+	CONSUMER REPORTS TO THIRD PARTIES. "CONSUMER REPORTING AGENCY"14
	231	+	INCLUDES ANY PERSON DEFINED IN 15 U.S.C. sec. 1681a (f) OR SECTION15
	232	+	5-18-103 (4).16
	233	+	(b) "CONSUMER REPORTING AGENCY" DOES NOT INCLUDE ANY17
	234	+	BUSINESS ENTITY THAT PROVIDES CHECK VERIFICATION OR CHECK18
	235	+	GUARANTEE SERVICES ONLY .19
	236	+	(4) (a) "DEBT" MEANS ANY OBLIGATION OR ALLEGED OBLIGATION20
	237	+	OF A CONSUMER TO PAY MONEY ARISING OUT OF A TRANSACTION ,21
	238	+	WHETHER OR NOT THE OBLIGATION HAS BEEN REDUCED TO JUDGMENT .22
	239	+	(b) "DEBT" DOES NOT INCLUDE A DEBT FOR BUSINESS,23
	240	+	INVESTMENT, COMMERCIAL, OR AGRICULTURAL PURPOSES OR A DEBT24
	241	+	INCURRED BY A BUSINESS. 25
	242	+	(5) "DEBT COLLECTOR" MEANS ANY PERSON EMPLOYED OR26
	243	+	ENGAGED BY A COLLECTION AGENCY TO PERFORM THE COLLECTION OF27
	244	+	1285
	245	+	-7- DEBTS OWED OR DUE OR ASSERTED TO BE OWED OR DUE TO ANOTHER .1
	246	+	(6) "FEDERAL CENTERS FOR MEDICARE AND MEDICAID SERVICES "2
	247	+	OR "CMS" MEANS THE CENTER FOR MEDICARE AND MEDICAID SERVICES3
	248	+	IN THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES .4
	249	+	(7) "HOSPITAL" MEANS, CONSISTENT WITH 45 CFR 180.20, A5
	250	+	HOSPITAL:6
280	251		(a) L
281		-	ICENSED OR CERTIFIED BY THE DEPARTMENT PURSUANT TO
282		-	SECTION
283		-	25-1.5-103 (1)(a); OR
284		-	(b) APPROVED BY THE DEPARTMENT AS MEETING THE STANDARDS
285		-	PAGE 6-HOUSE BILL 22-1285 ESTABLISHED FOR LICENSING A HOSPITAL.
286		-	(8) "H
287		-	OSPITAL PRICE TRANSPARENCY LAWS" MEANS SECTION 2718(e)
288		-	OF THE "PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE (PHS) ACT", PUB.L. 78-410, AS
289		-	AMENDED
290		-	, AND RULES ADOPTED BY THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF
291		-	HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES IMPLEMENTING SECTION
292		-	2718(e).
293		-	(9) "I
294		-	TEMS AND SERVICES" OR "ITEMS OR SERVICES" MEANS "ITEMS
295		-	AND SERVICES
296		-	" AS DEFINED IN 45 CFR 180.20.
297		-	25-3-803. Failure to comply with hospital price transparency
298		-	laws - prohibiting collection of debt - penalty. (1) (a) E
299		-	XCEPT AS
300		-	PROVIDED IN SUBSECTION
301		-	(1)(b) OF THIS SECTION, ON AND AFTER THE
302		-	EFFECTIVE DATE OF THIS SECTION
303		-	, A HOSPITAL THAT IS NOT IN MATERIAL
304		-	COMPLIANCE WITH HOSPITAL PRICE TRANSPARENCY LAWS ON THE DATE
305		-	THAT ITEMS OR SERVICES ARE PURCHASED FROM OR PROVIDED TO A PATIENT
306		-	BY THE HOSPITAL SHALL NOT INITIATE OR PURSUE A COLLECTION ACTION
307		-	AGAINST THE PATIENT OR PATIENT GUARANTOR FOR A DEBT OWED FOR THE
308		-	ITEMS OR SERVICES
309		-	.
310		-	(b) T
311		-	HIS PART 8 APPLIES, ON AND AFTER FEBRUARY 15, 2023, TO
312		-	CRITICAL ACCESS HOSPITALS LICENSED AND CERTIFIED BY THE DEPARTMENT
313		-	PURSUANT TO
314		-	42 CFR 485 SUBPART F.
315		-	(2) I
316		-	F A PATIENT BELIEVES THAT A HOSPITAL WAS NOT IN MATERIAL
317		-	COMPLIANCE WITH HOSPITAL PRICE TRANSPARENCY LAWS ON A DATE ON OR
318		-	AFTER THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THIS SECTION THAT ITEMS OR SERVICES WERE
319		-	PURCHASED BY OR PROVIDED TO THE PATIENT
320		-	, AND THE HOSPITAL TAKES A
321		-	COLLECTION ACTION AGAINST THE PATIENT OR PATIENT GUARANTOR
322		-	, THE
323		-	PATIENT OR PATIENT GUARANTOR MAY FILE SUIT TO D ETERMINE IF THE
324		-	HOSPITAL WAS MATERIALLY OUT OF COMPLIANCE WITH THE HOSPITAL PRICE
325		-	TRANSPARENCY LAWS AND RULES AND REGULATIONS ON THE DATE OF
326		-	SERVICE
327		-	, AND THE NONCOMPLIANCE IS RELATED TO THE ITEMS OR SERVICES .
328		-	T
329		-	HE HOSPITAL SHALL NOT TAKE A COLLECTION ACTION AGAINST THE
330		-	PATIENT OR PATIENT GUARANTOR WHILE THE LAWSUIT IS PENDING
331		-	.
332		-	(3) A
333		-	HOSPITAL THAT HAS BEEN FOUND BY A JUDGE OR JURY ,
334		-	CONSIDERING COMPLIANCE STANDARDS ISSUED BY THE FEDERAL CENTERS
335		-	FOR MEDICARE AND MEDICAID SERVICES
336		-	, TO BE MATERIALLY OUT OF
337		-	COMPLIANCE WITH HOSPITAL PRICE TRANSPARENCY LAWS AND RULES AND
338		-	PAGE 7-HOUSE BILL 22-1285 REGULATIONS:
	252	+	ICENSED OR CERTIFIED BY THE DEPARTMENT PURSUANT TO7
	253	+	SECTION 25-1.5-103 (1)(a); OR8
	254	+	(b) A
	255	+	PPROVED BY THE DEPARTMENT AS MEETING THE STANDARDS9
	256	+	ESTABLISHED FOR LICENSING A HOSPITAL.10
	257	+	(8) "HOSPITAL PRICE TRANSPARENCY LAWS " MEANS SECTION11
	258	+	2718(e)
	259	+	OF THE "PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE (PHS) ACT", PUB.L. 78-410, AS12
	260	+	AMENDED, AND RULES ADOPTED BY THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF13
	261	+	HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES IMPLEMENTING SECTION 2718 (e).14(9) "ITEMS AND SERVICES" OR "ITEMS OR SERVICES" MEANS "ITEMS15
	262	+	AND SERVICES" AS DEFINED IN 45 CFR 180.20.16
	263	+	25-3-803. Failure to comply with hospital price transparency17
	264	+	laws - prohibiting collection of debt - penalty. (1) (a) EXCEPT AS18
	265	+	PROVIDED IN SUBSECTION (1)(b) OF THIS SECTION, ON AND AFTER THE19
	266	+	EFFECTIVE DATE OF THIS SECTION, A HOSPITAL THAT IS NOT IN MATERIAL20
	267	+	COMPLIANCE WITH HOSPITAL PRICE TRANSPARENCY LAWS ON THE DATE21
	268	+	THAT ITEMS OR SERVICES ARE PURCHASED FROM OR PROVIDED TO A22
	269	+	PATIENT BY THE HOSPITAL SHALL NOT INITIATE OR PURSUE A COLLECTION23
	270	+	ACTION AGAINST THE PATIENT OR PATIENT GUARANTOR FOR A DEBT OWED24
	271	+	FOR THE ITEMS OR SERVICES.25
	272	+	(b) THIS PART 8 APPLIES, ON AND AFTER FEBRUARY 15, 2023, TO26
	273	+	CRITICAL ACCESS HOSPITALS LICENSED AND CERTIFIED BY THE27
	274	+	1285
	275	+	-8- DEPARTMENT PURSUANT TO 42 CFR 485 SUBPART F.1
	276	+	(2) IF A PATIENT BELIEVES THAT A HOSPITAL WAS NOT IN2
	277	+	MATERIAL COMPLIANCE WITH HOSPITAL PRICE TRANSPARENCY LAWS ON3
	278	+	A DATE ON OR AFTER THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THIS SECTION THAT ITEMS4
	279	+	OR SERVICES WERE PURCHASED BY OR PROVIDED TO THE PATIENT , AND5
	280	+	THE HOSPITAL TAKES A COLLECTION ACTION AGAINST THE PATIENT OR6
	281	+	PATIENT GUARANTOR, THE PATIENT OR PATIENT GUARANTOR MAY FILE7
	282	+	SUIT TO DETERMINE IF THE HOSPITAL WAS MATERIALLY OUT OF8
	283	+	COMPLIANCE WITH THE HOSPITAL PRICE TRANSPARENCY LAWS AND RULES9
	284	+	AND REGULATIONS ON THE DATE OF SERVICE, AND THE NONCOMPLIANCE10
	285	+	IS RELATED TO THE ITEMS OR SERVICES. THE HOSPITAL SHALL NOT TAKE11
	286	+	A COLLECTION ACTION AGAINST THE PATIENT OR PATIENT GUARANTOR12
	287	+	WHILE THE LAWSUIT IS PENDING.13
	288	+	(3) A HOSPITAL THAT HAS BEEN FOUND BY A JUDGE OR JURY,14
	289	+	CONSIDERING COMPLIANCE STANDARDS ISSUED BY THE FEDERAL CENTERS15
	290	+	FOR MEDICARE AND MEDICAID SERVICES , TO BE MATERIALLY OUT OF16
	291	+	COMPLIANCE WITH HOSPITAL PRICE TRANSPARENCY LAWS AND RULES AND17
	292	+	REGULATIONS:18
339	293		(a) S
340		-	HALL REFUND THE PAYER ANY AMOUNT OF THE DEBT THE PAYER
341		-	HAS PAID AND SHALL PAY A PENALTY TO THE PATIENT OR PATIENT
342		-	GUARANTOR IN AN AMOUNT EQUAL TO THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF THE DEBT
343		-	;
	294	+	HALL REFUND THE PAYER ANY AM OUNT OF THE DEBT THE19
	295	+	PAYER HAS PAID AND SHALL PAY A PENALTY TO THE PATIENT OR PATIENT20
	296	+	GUARANTOR IN AN AMOUNT EQUAL TO THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF THE DEBT ;21
344	297		(b) S
345		-	HALL DISMISS OR CAUSE TO BE DISMISSED ANY COURT ACTION
346		-	WITH PREJUDICE AND PAY ANY ATTORNEY FEES AND COSTS INCURRED BY
347		-	THE PATIENT OR PATIENT GUARANTOR RELATING TO THE ACTION
348		-	; AND
349		-	(c) REMOVE OR CAUSE TO BE REMOVED FROM THE PATIENT 'S OR
350		-	PATIENT GUARANTOR
351		-	'S CREDIT REPORT ANY REPORT MADE TO A CONSUMER
352		-	REPORTING AGENCY RELATING TO THE DEBT
353		-	.
354		-	(4) N
355		-	OTHING IN THIS PART 8:
	298	+	HALL DISMISS OR CAUSE TO BE DISMISSED ANY COURT ACTION22
	299	+	WITH PREJUDICE AND PAY ANY ATTORNEY FEES AND COSTS INCURRED BY23
	300	+	THE PATIENT OR PATIENT GUARANTOR RELATING TO THE ACTION ; AND24
	301	+	(c) R
	302	+	EMOVE OR CAUSE TO BE REMOVED FROM THE PATIENT 'S OR25
	303	+	PATIENT GUARANTOR 'S CREDIT REPORT ANY REPORT MADE TO A26
	304	+	CONSUMER REPORTING AGENCY RELATING TO THE DEBT .27
	305	+	1285
	306	+	-9- (4) NOTHING IN THIS PART 8:1
356	307		(a) P
357		-	ROHIBITS A HOSPITAL FROM BILLING A PATIENT , PATIENT
358		-	GUARANTOR
359		-	, OR THIRD-PARTY PAYER, INCLUDING HEALTH INSURER, FOR
360		-	ITEMS OR SERVICES PROVIDED TO THE PATIENT
361		-	; OR
362		-	(b) REQUIRES A HOSPITAL TO REFUND ANY PAYMENT MADE TO THE
363		-	HOSPITAL FOR ITEMS OR SERVICES PROVIDED TO THE PATIENT
364		-	, SO LONG AS
365		-	NO COLLECTION ACTION IS TAKEN IN VIOLATION OF THIS PART
366		-	8.
367		-	SECTION 2. Act subject to petition - effective date. This act
368		-	takes effect at 12:01 a.m. on the day following the expiration of the
369		-	ninety-day period after final adjournment of the general assembly; except
370		-	that, if a referendum petition is filed pursuant to section 1 (3) of article V
371		-	of the state constitution against this act or an item, section, or part of this act
372		-	within such period, then the act, item, section, or part will not take effect
373		-	unless approved by the people at the general election to be held in
374		-	PAGE 8-HOUSE BILL 22-1285 November 2022 and, in such case, will take effect on the date of the official
375		-	declaration of the vote thereon by the governor.
376		-	____________________________ ____________________________
377		-	Alec Garnett Steve Fenberg
378		-	SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE PRESIDENT OF
379		-	OF REPRESENTATIVES THE SENATE
380		-	____________________________ ____________________________
381		-	Robin Jones Cindi L. Markwell
382		-	CHIEF CLERK OF THE HOUSE SECRETARY OF
383		-	OF REPRESENTATIVES THE SENATE
384		-	APPROVED________________________________________
385		-	(Date and Time)
386		-	_________________________________________
387		-	Jared S. Polis
388		-	GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF COLORADO
389		-	PAGE 9-HOUSE BILL 22-1285
	308	+	ROHIBITS A HOSPITAL FROM BILLING A PATIENT , PATIENT2
	309	+	GUARANTOR, OR THIRD-PARTY PAYER, INCLUDING HEALTH INSURER, FOR3
	310	+	ITEMS OR SERVICES PROVIDED TO THE PATIENT ; OR4
	311	+	(b) R
	312	+	EQUIRES A HOSPITAL TO REFUND ANY PAYMENT MADE TO THE5
	313	+	HOSPITAL FOR ITEMS OR SERVICES PROVIDED TO THE PATIENT , SO LONG AS6
	314	+	NO COLLECTION ACTION IS TAKEN IN VIOLATION OF THIS PART 8.7
	315	+	8
	316	+	SECTION 2. Act subject to petition - effective date. This act9
	317	+	takes effect at 12:01 a.m. on the day following the expiration of the10
	318	+	ninety-day period after final adjournment of the general assembly; except11
	319	+	that, if a referendum petition is filed pursuant to section 1 (3) of article V12
	320	+	of the state constitution against this act or an item, section, or part of this13
	321	+	act within such period, then the act, item, section, or part will not take14
	322	+	effect unless approved by the people at the general election to be held in15
	323	+	November 2022 and, in such case, will take effect on the date of the16
	324	+	official declaration of the vote thereon by the governor.17
	325	+	1285
	326	+	-10-