Oklahoma House Bill HB1890

Oklahoma 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/6/23
• Refer: 2/7/23
• Report Pass: 3/2/23

Caption

Medical price transparency; penalties; allocation of penalties; health care facility price transparency; penalties; allocation of penalties; effective date.

Impact

The bill significantly amends existing state laws pertaining to healthcare pricing transparency. One of its key provisions prohibits healthcare providers and facilities from initiating collection actions against patients if they have not been compliant with the transparency requirements outlined by the legislation. This provision is designed to protect patients from aggressive debt collection practices in instances where providers fail to meet transparency standards. As such, the bill could lead to a shift in how healthcare facilities manage pricing information and patient billing practices.

Summary

House Bill 1890 is a legislative measure introduced in the Oklahoma House of Representatives aimed at enhancing medical price transparency. The bill mandates that healthcare providers and facilities publicly disclose their healthcare prices for commonly provided services. Providers must present this information clearly, using standard coding systems and plain language descriptions, while ensuring updates are made at least annually. These disclosures aim to empower patients with pricing information prior to receiving care, fostering more informed healthcare decisions.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 1890 appears to reflect support from advocacy groups focused on patient rights and transparency in healthcare pricing. Supporters argue that the bill will lead to better patient care and enable individuals to make well-informed choices about their healthcare services. Conversely, there may be concerns among healthcare providers regarding the potential administrative burden associated with maintaining compliance with these new requirements and the legal implications of noncompliance, indicating a level of contention in the overall reception of the bill.

Contention

Notable points of contention regarding HB 1890 relate to the enforcement mechanisms and penalties for noncompliance. While proponents see the penalties as a necessary tool to ensure adherence to transparency standards, opponents may argue that these could unnecessarily complicate healthcare operations or lead to increased costs for providers who struggle to comply. Furthermore, the implications of disallowing collection actions introduce a legal complexity that may face scrutiny as the bill moves through the legislative process.