Oklahoma Senate Bill SB349

Oklahoma 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/1/21
• Refer: 2/2/21

Caption

Health care facilities; imposing certain requirements on laboratory testing centers and imaging centers related to pricing; requiring State Department of Health to publish certain information. Effective date.

Impact

The implementation of SB349 is expected to improve the accessibility of pricing information for laboratory tests and imaging services across Oklahoma. By requiring the State Department of Health to compile and maintain a searchable database of pricing data, the bill aims to provide patients with comparative pricing information, thereby potentially fostering competition among healthcare providers. Physicians will also be obligated to share cost comparisons with patients, which may encourage cost-effective choices and increase transparency in healthcare pricing.

Summary

Senate Bill 349, introduced by McCortney, focuses on enhancing transparency in healthcare pricing by imposing requirements on laboratory testing centers and imaging centers. The bill mandates these centers to make their charge description master available online, ensuring that patients have access to information about the costs of services. This includes a comprehensive list of prices for various laboratory and imaging tests, promoting informed decision-making among patients regarding their healthcare options.

Contention

While the bill has been well-received by proponents advocating for healthcare transparency, there may be contention surrounding the regulatory burden it places on healthcare facilities. Some stakeholders might express concerns regarding the feasibility and cost of implementing these requirements, particularly for smaller centers that may lack the resources to maintain an online pricing database. Additionally, there are discussions about how this legislation aligns with broader healthcare reforms in Oklahoma, especially in terms of managing healthcare costs and ensuring quality services for patients.