Texas House Bill HB2797

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Caption

Relating to prices charged by freestanding emergency medical care facilities during a declared state of disaster; providing administrative penalties.

Impact

By introducing specific pricing guidelines during disasters, HB2797 seeks to hold health care facilities accountable for their pricing practices. The bill prohibits facilities from charging prices that exceed 200 percent of the average for similar services within the same or adjacent counties. Should a facility violate this provision, the bill stipulates escalating administrative penalties, including fines and potential license revocation, thus enhancing regulatory oversight in a crucial area of public health. This move is expected to alleviate financial burdens on patients and to regulate the market effectively, particularly in times of crises.

Summary

House Bill 2797 addresses the pricing practices of freestanding emergency medical care facilities during declared states of disaster, establishing regulations to protect consumers from exorbitant charges. The bill mandates that facilities disclose their pricing for tests and vaccinations verbally to patients as well as on their websites, enabling transparency and informed decision-making for individuals seeking care during emergencies. This regulation aims to prevent unfair pricing tactics during critical times when individuals are likely to be vulnerable and require essential health services.

Contention

While proponents argue that the bill strengthens consumer protections and promotes fairness in pricing during disasters, there may be concerns regarding the enforcement of such regulations and the potential impact on facilities' ability to cover operational costs in high-demand scenarios. Moreover, the implications of strict punishments for facilities that might inadvertently violate pricing regulations could raise debates about the balance between regulation and the operational autonomy of healthcare providers. The discussion around HB2797 may also highlight broader questions of healthcare accessibility and financial ethics in emergency medicine.