Limits rescheduling, cancellation, and no-show fees providers of health care services may charge in certain instances.
Impact
This bill aims to protect patients from potential financial penalties imposed by healthcare providers, promoting a more patient-friendly approach to appointment scheduling. By setting clear guidelines on how and when fees can be charged, the bill intends to reduce confusion and prevent abusive practices related to cancellation and no-show fees. The legislation is expected to impact existing state laws concerning healthcare provider regulations, particularly those surrounding patient billing practices. Should this bill pass, it would also introduce penalties for providers who violate these provisions, establishing a monetary consequence of up to $1,000 for repeated offenses.
Summary
Senate Bill 2485 seeks to regulate the fees that healthcare providers can charge patients for rescheduling or cancelling appointments. Under the proposed legislation, healthcare providers are prohibited from charging any fees to new or returning patients for cancellations or rescheduling that occurs more than 24 hours before a scheduled appointment. If a patient cancels or reschedules within 24 hours, a fee of up to $25 can be imposed, but only under specific conditions: the patient must have been informed of the fee at the time of booking, and they must have previously engaged in similar behavior regarding cancellations or no-shows on two occasions within the past six months.
Contention
The proposed limits on cancellation and rescheduling fees may spark a debate among stakeholders in the healthcare industry. Proponents argue that it enhances patient rights and accessibility by reducing the financial burden associated with rescheduling. In contrast, opponents may contend that restricting fees could discourage patients from making timely cancellations, potentially leading to appointment availability issues for other patients. Furthermore, this bill may prompt a broader conversation about the balance between protecting patients and ensuring the operational viability of healthcare providers, who may rely on these fees to compensate for missed appointments.
Reschedules June 2025 primary election date; provides for adjustment of date on which primary elections will be held if date coincides with period of religious observance.
Relating to the scheduling of certain controlled substances in response to certain actions by the United States Food and Drug Administration with respect to those substances.
AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4; Title 9; Title 24; Title 29; Title 33; Title 38; Title 39; Title 40; Title 41; Title 43; Title 45; Title 50; Title 53; Title 57; Title 63; Title 67; Title 68 and Title 71, relative to medical cannabis.
AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4; Title 9; Title 24; Title 29; Title 33; Title 38; Title 39; Title 40; Title 41; Title 43; Title 45; Title 50; Title 53; Title 57; Title 63; Title 67; Title 68 and Title 71, relative to medical cannabis.