Tennessee House Bill HB1957

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/23/24
• Refer: 1/25/24

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 9, Chapter 8; Title 16; Title 18; Title 20; Title 21; Title 27; Title 28; Title 29; Title 33; Title 45; Title 47; Title 63; Title 68 and Title 71, relative to healthcare costs.

Impact

The impact of HB1957 on state laws is significant, particularly in how healthcare facilities manage unpaid patient debts. The bill requires these facilities to notify patients regarding their debt satisfaction and prohibits them from pursuing legal actions to collect on debts that have been offset by public funds. This shift not only protects patients from additional financial stress but also aims to encourage transparency regarding healthcare charges and patient liabilities. The Health Facilities Commission is tasked with establishing rules to ensure compliance with these new provisions, further shaping the regulatory environment in Tennessee.

Summary

House Bill 1957 aims to address the issue of uncompensated care in healthcare facilities within Tennessee. It introduces amendments to several chapters of the Tennessee Code Annotated, specifically focusing on healthcare costs. The bill mandates that facilities accepting public funds for losses incurred due to uncompensated care must satisfy patient debts equivalent to the amount of public funds received. By doing this, the legislation intends to alleviate financial burdens on patients who have not received payment for healthcare services rendered.

Contention

Notable points of contention around HB1957 likely center on its implementation and the implications for healthcare facilities. Stakeholders may debate the extent to which hospitals and clinics can absorb these changes without impacting their financial stability. Critics may argue that while the intention is to protect patients, the requirement to write off debts could lead to financial strains on facilities providing care, particularly those serving lower-income populations. Additionally, questions may arise regarding how effectively the bill's provisions will be enforced and monitored by state health authorities.