Amends TCA Title 33; Title 47, Chapter 18; Title 56; Title 63; Title 68 and Title 71.

ON APRIL 22, 2019, THE HOUSE ADOPTED AMENDMENT #1 AND PASSED HOUSE BILL 710, AS AMENDED.<br /> <br /> AMENDMENT #1 rewrites this bill and enacts the "Healthcare Billing Clarity Act."<br /> <br /> This amendment prohibits a hospital from including in any billing statement to a patient any language that indicates or implies that a charge is for a specialty healthcare service that was rendered by a healthcare provider unless:<br /> <br /> (1) The charge is described in a manner that provides the patient with sufficient information to identify the healthcare provider or the specialty healthcare service rendered; and<br /> (2) (A) The costs of any supplies, equipment, or other services rendered to the patient by or at the hospital are excluded from the amount charged for the healthcare provider or the specialty healthcare service rendered; or<br /> (B) The billing statement includes language or is accompanied by a notice to inform the patient that billed amounts for services do not include charges for healthcare providers who are not employed by the healthcare facility, including anesthesiologists, emergency physicians, pathologists, and radiologists.<br /> <br /> A violation of the above provisions will constitute a violation of the Tennessee Consumer Protection Act as an unfair or deceptive act or practice affecting the conduct of trade or commerce and a violator will be subject to the penalties and remedies as provided in that Act, which include the penalties for a Class B misdemeanor and, in the case of a willful violation, the violator being liable for treble damages. <br /> <br /> Under this amendment, if a healthcare provider includes a charge in a billing statement to a patient for the costs of any supplies, equipment, or other services provided by a healthcare facility, then the healthcare provider must include with the billing statement language or an accompanying notice to inform the patient that those charges are included. A violation of this provision will also be considered a violation of the Tennessee Consumer Protection Act, as described above.<br /> <br /> This amendment applies to all hospitals licensed under state law, including mental health hospitals. This amendment defines "specialty healthcare service" as anesthesia, pathology, radiology, and emergency services.<br /> <br />