Virginia House Bill HB1221

Virginia 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/18/22
• Refer: 1/18/22

Caption

Hospitals; charity care policies, individuals with low English proficiency.

Impact

The proposed changes seek to improve the understanding of charity care policies among patients who may face language barriers. By ensuring that hospitals provide this information in multiple languages and accessible formats, the bill aims to empower non-English speaking patients to seek necessary care without misunderstanding eligibility for free or discounted services. This measure is expected to lead to increased awareness and utilization of charity care resources, potentially mitigating the financial burden on underprivileged populations who require medical assistance.

Summary

House Bill 1221 aims to enhance the accessibility and dissemination of information regarding charity care policies in hospitals, particularly for individuals with low English proficiency. The bill mandates that all hospitals in Virginia provide conspicuous written information about their charity care policies. This information should be prominently displayed in various public areas of the hospital, such as admissions and emergency departments. Furthermore, hospitals are required to communicate specific eligibility criteria and application procedures to patients at key points of interaction, including admission and discharge, as well as through billing statements and hospital websites.

Contention

While the bill has been introduced with the intent of enhancing healthcare access, it may also spark discussions around the responsibility of hospitals to cater to non-English speaking individuals adequately. There could be concerns regarding the resources required for hospitals to meet these new requirements, including the need for translation services or additional staff training. Critics may argue whether the legislation adequately addresses potential disparities in healthcare access or if it imposes undue burdens on hospitals already facing operational challenges.