Senate Bill 1581 Summary

• Establishes legislative intent that emergency department charges should not significantly exceed charges for the same procedures in non-emergent settings, and that emergency department maintenance costs should be shared community-wide.

• Prohibits emergency departments from charging more than the average charged by non-emergent health care providers in the community for primary care services, as determined by the State Department of Health.

• Allows emergency departments to opt out of charge limitations by offering an annual household membership fee of not more than $100, which covers all emergent services for members while still permitting collection from third-party payers.

• Authorizes the State Department of Health to fine health care facilities that violate these provisions an amount equal to twice the excess charges above the community average for each violation.

• Becomes effective November 1, 2012.