Tennessee Senate Bill SB1831

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/23/24
• Failed: 2/20/24

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 9, Chapter 8; Title 16; Title 18; Title 20; Title 21; Title 27; Title 28; Title 29; Title 33; Title 45; Title 47; Title 63; Title 68 and Title 71, relative to healthcare costs.

Impact

The bill is expected to have a significant impact on Tennessee's healthcare laws by ensuring that patients are better protected from aggressive debt collection practices related to unpaid medical bills. By mandating that any healthcare facility accepting public funding for uncompensated care cannot pursue further legal action on those debts, SB1831 promotes a more patient-centric approach in managing healthcare costs. It also requires facilities to formally notify patients about debt satisfaction, thereby enhancing transparency in healthcare billing practices.

Summary

Senate Bill 1831 aims to amend various titles of the Tennessee Code Annotated, focusing primarily on healthcare cost management, particularly concerning uncompensated care. The bill specifies that healthcare facilities accepting public funds for losses due to uncompensated care are required to designate equivalent amounts of outstanding patient debt as satisfied. It introduces new standards for how facilities handle patient debts when public funding is involved, thereby aiming to alleviate the financial burden on patients who currently owe money for unpaid healthcare services.

Contention

While the bill's intent is to protect patients, there may be concerns regarding its implementation. Discussions surrounding SB1831 could involve debates over the accountability of healthcare facilities and the adequacy of standards in preventing fraud. Opponents of the bill might argue that it could lead to potential misuse of public funds or lessen the incentive for facilities to improve their financial oversight practices. Furthermore, health facilities might express concerns about the financial impact this legislation could have on their operational budgets, especially regarding the enforcement of patient debt satisfaction.