CT SB00451

Repeals and replaces Section 19a-508c to expand protections against facility fees charged by hospitals and health systems, effective October 1, 2017.

Requires hospitals and health systems to provide written notice to patients before charging facility fees for CPT evaluation and management codes or for services at off-campus facilities, including estimated costs and explanation that patients may owe more than at non-hospital facilities.

Mandates patient express written acknowledgment of receipt of facility fee notice prior to receiving nonemergency services; hospitals failing to provide notice cannot bill patients for facility fees and violations constitute unfair trade practices.

Prohibits hospitals from collecting facility fees for outpatient E/M services at off-campus facilities (except emergency departments) and limits facility fees for uninsured patients to the Medicare rate.

Requires hospitals to notify prior patients within 30 days if a facility they previously used becomes hospital-based and will charge facility fees; prohibits facility fee collection during the notice period.