HI SB2277

Requires all Hawaii hospitals to comply with federal price transparency requirements by publishing standard charges in a machine-readable digital file and a consumer-friendly list of at least 300 shoppable services on their websites.

Authorizes the Department of Health to monitor compliance, investigate complaints, and impose daily civil penalties ranging from $600 for hospitals with 30 or fewer beds to $11,000 for hospitals with over 550 beds.

Prohibits non-compliant hospitals from pursuing debt collection actions against patients for services provided during periods of non-compliance, and provides patients with an affirmative defense to challenge such collection lawsuits.

Requires hospitals to provide patients with itemized billing statements using standard billing codes, payment receipts, and contact information for billing inquiries before initiating any debt collection action.

Takes effect January 30, 2050, and designates violations of patient billing requirements as unfair or deceptive practices under Hawaii consumer protection law.