Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Health Care & Wellness Committee |
HB 2588
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent. |
Brief Description: Providing patients notice of facility fees charged by hospitals and ambulatory surgical facilities.
Sponsors: Representatives Caldier, Appleton, Cody, Wylie and Kloba.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 1/23/18
Staff: Jim Morishima (786-7191).
Background:
Upon a patient's request, a hospital must provide a patient with an estimate of the fees and charges related to a specific service, visit, or stay. A provider-based clinic that charges a facility fee must notify a patient prior to providing non-emergency services. The notice must indicate that the clinic is licensed as part of the hospital and that the patient may receive a separate charge or billing for the facility component, which may result in higher out-of-pocket expense.
Summary of Bill:
Prior to the delivery of non-emergency outpatient services, a hospital or an ambulatory surgical facility that charges a facility fee must notify a patient:
that the hospital or ambulatory surgical facility charges a facility fee;
the amount of the fee;
that the patient may be able to obtain the same non-emergency outpatient services at another facility that does not charge a facility fee, such as a clinic or an ambulatory surgical facility; and
that the patient should ask the other facility whether it charges a facility fee.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on January 18, 2018.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.