Mississippi Senate Bill SB2864

Mississippi 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/19/24
• Refer: 2/19/24
• Failed: 3/5/24

Caption

Healthcare professionals; set certain advertising standards, require disclosure of collaboration agreements.

Impact

One of the significant changes proposed by SB2864 is the requirement for non-physician healthcare practitioners working under collaborative agreements to disclose the name and credentials of their collaborating physician. This means that these practitioners must prominently display this information in their offices and must include it in any referral made for patients. This adds a layer of accountability and helps patients to better understand who will be providing their care.

Summary

Senate Bill 2864 is designed to amend existing Mississippi healthcare regulations, specifically addressing advertising standards for healthcare professionals. The bill seeks to establish clear guidelines for how healthcare services can be marketed, ensuring that advertisements are free from misleading information. It mandates that any advertisement naming a healthcare practitioner must include their specific type of license and prohibits deceptive practices that misrepresent a practitioner's qualifications or services. Therefore, healthcare practitioners are required to be transparent in their promotional materials to protect consumers and maintain trust in health services.

Contention

The bill has points of contention regarding the implications for non-physician practitioners. Supporters argue that SB2864 is essential for improving transparency and ensuring that patients can make informed decisions about their health care. However, some critics express concerns that the additional requirements may create barriers for non-physician practitioners, potentially limiting their ability to attract patients and practice effectively. The discussions around the bill indicate a broader debate about the roles of different healthcare providers and the regulatory environment in which they operate.