MN SF131

Requires provider-based clinics that charge facility fees to notify patients in writing prior to nonemergency services that they are part of a hospital and may receive separate billing for the facility component, potentially resulting in higher out-of-pocket expenses.

Mandates health care facilities post prominent statements on their websites and in patient-accessible locations disclosing that the provider-based clinic is hospital-affiliated and patients may receive separate facility charges.

Exempts laboratory services, imaging services, and other ancillary health services provided by non-facility staff from the disclosure requirements.

Defines "facility fee" as any separate charge by a provider-based clinic beyond professional physician fees, intended to cover building, electronic medical records systems, billing, and administrative and operational expenses.

Defines "provider-based clinic" as an off-campus clinic or provider office owned by a hospital or health system, located at least 250 yards from the main hospital, and primarily engaged in diagnostic and therapeutic care, excluding laboratory-only or rural health clinics.