MO SB1267

Hospitals not in material compliance with federal price transparency laws (Section 2718(e) of the Public Health Service Act) are prohibited from pursuing debt collection actions against patients for services provided during the noncompliance period, effective August 28, 2026

Prohibited collection actions include referring debts to collection agencies, suing patients, enforcing arbitration clauses, and reporting to consumer credit agencies

Patients may file suit to challenge a hospital's compliance status if collection action is taken; the hospital must cease collection efforts while litigation is pending

Hospitals found materially noncompliant must refund all payments made on the debt, pay a penalty equal to the total debt amount, dismiss any court actions with prejudice, cover the patient's attorney fees, and remove negative credit reports

Hospitals may still bill patients and third-party payers for services and are not required to refund payments unless prohibited collection actions are taken