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SF1503 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Facility fees prohibition for nonemergency services provided at provider-based clinics

Related bill: HF1312

AI Generated Summary

This bill, S.F. No. 1503, aims to prohibit hospitals and health systems from charging an additional fee called a "facility fee" for nonemergency services provided at certain clinics that are affiliated with hospitals but located off-campus. Facility fees are often added to bills to cover the costs of building maintenance, electronic records systems, and other administrative elements, which can result in higher out-of-pocket costs for patients.

The bill specifies that: 1. Clinics classified as provider-based and located at least 250 yards from the main hospital campus are included in this prohibition. 2. It also prohibits these fees for any nonemergency services, whether they are delivered in-person or via telehealth. 3. Hospitals and health systems must report annually the facility fees they charged in the previous year, and this data must be published online. 4. Enforcement measures include penalties for hospitals and clinics that violate this rule, which could be enforced by the state attorney general or health-related boards.

Additionally, the bill repeals the previous requirement for clinics to notify patients of the potential for these charges, indicating a complete ban on such fees for specific services and settings.

The goal of this legislation is to reduce unexpected costs for patients and to increase transparency in healthcare billing practices.

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
February 16, 2025SenateFloorActionIntroduction and first reading
February 16, 2025SenateFloorActionReferred toHealth and Human Services
February 19, 2025SenateFloorActionComm report: To pass as amended and re-refer toJudiciary and Public Safety
February 19, 2025SenateFloorActionAuthors added
March 31, 2025SenateFloorActionComm report: To pass as amended and re-refer toHealth and Human Services

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "A new subsection clarifying disbursement rules."
      ],
      "removed": [
        "Eliminates previous requirement for municipal matching funds."
      ],
      "summary": "This bill modifies pension fund eligibility for volunteer firefighters under section 353G.06.",
      "modified": [
        "Adjusts pension payment schedule from annual to quarterly."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "353G.06"
  }
]

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