New York Assembly Bill A08460

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/16/25
• Refer: 5/16/25

Caption

Prohibits hospitals and health care providers from storing credit card information without signed written consent and requires disclosure if such information could be used to pay balances.

Impact

The implementation of A08460 will have significant implications for healthcare providers and the way they manage billing practices. By enforcing this requirement for written consent, the bill aims to safeguard patients against potential privacy violations and unauthorized use of their financial information. Moreover, it contributes to a cultural shift towards prioritizing patient autonomy and informed consent, which is increasingly critical in an era where personal data breaches are common. Hospitals and providers will need to adjust their practices to comply with these regulations, potentially impacting their administrative processes related to billing.

Summary

Bill A08460 amends the General Business Law of New York to prohibit hospitals and healthcare providers from storing patients' credit card information without obtaining explicit written consent. This consent must be in the form of a signature from the patient, and they must be informed at the time of service if their credit card information will be kept on file and used for future payments. The bill aims to enhance the privacy and security of patients' financial information, aligning healthcare practices with evolving standards of data protection and patient consent in the digital age.

Contention

While the bill seeks to protect patient information, it may also lead to debates concerning operational efficiency among healthcare providers. For some proponents of streamlined billing processes, the requirement for written consent could slow down service delivery in busy hospital settings. Critics may argue that while patient consent is crucial, there needs to be a balance that allows healthcare providers to maintain operational efficiencies without compromising patient privacy. There is also potential for misinterpretation of how consent is obtained and stored, leading to challenges in compliance.