Texas Senate Bill SB2195

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Caption

Relating to a health care entity making available to patients and prospective patients charges for certain health care services, goods, or procedures; authorizing administrative penalties.

Impact

This legislation aims to enhance transparency in the healthcare system by obliging healthcare entities to make their charges readily available, either through postings online or in their physical locations. The provision for a charge list is designed to help patients make informed decisions about their healthcare providers and costs in advance of receiving services. It is expected to empower consumers, particularly in the context of escalating healthcare costs and billing practices that have often lacked clarity and consistency.

Summary

Senate Bill 2195 introduces a new chapter in the Health and Safety Code regarding charge transparency for healthcare entities. The bill mandates that healthcare professionals, providers, and facilities must maintain and disclose a charge list for their healthcare services, goods, or procedures to patients and prospective patients. The charge list should reflect standard charges before applying any discounts or negotiated rates, ensuring that patients have clear and upfront information about potential costs associated with their care.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding SB2195 include concerns from healthcare providers and potential impacts on small entities, which may find compliance burdensome. While the bill includes exemptions for very small practices, there is ongoing debate about the practicality of requiring larger health entities to systematically maintain and disclose a comprehensive charge list to avoid penalties. Additionally, the implementation of administrative penalties for non-compliance might face criticism from some stakeholders who argue it could further complicate the already challenging landscape of healthcare regulations.