CA SB1256

Expands prohibition on arranging third-party credit or loans for health care services from dentists only to all healing arts licensees, requiring written or electronic notice in at least 14-point type and a written treatment plan before credit is established.

Prohibits licensees from charging treatment not yet rendered or costs not yet incurred to open-end credit or loans without first providing patients with a list of which treatments and services are being charged in advance.

Requires licensees to refund to the lender any payment received for treatment not rendered or costs not incurred within 15 business days upon the patient's request.

Prohibits arranging or establishing credit or loans for patients under general anesthesia, conscious sedation, or nitrous oxide, and requires notice be provided in the patient's primary language if it is a Medi-Cal threshold language other than English.

Makes willful violations subject to civil liability under the Consumer Legal Remedies Act and specifies that no state reimbursement is required for costs related to the creation of this new crime.