MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2012 Regular Session
To: Public Health and Human Services
By: Representative Sullivan
AN ACT TO REQUIRE HOSPITALS TO NOTIFY PATIENTS BY REGISTERED MAIL, RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED, BEFORE REFERRING THE BILL OR ACCOUNT OF THE PATIENT TO A COLLECTION AGENCY FOR COLLECTION OF ANY BALANCE DUE TO THE HOSPITAL FROM THE PATIENT; TO PROVIDE THAT THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH SHALL FINE ANY HOSPITAL THAT VIOLATES THE REQUIREMENTS OF THIS ACT; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:
SECTION 1. (1) Before any hospital, as defined in Section 41-9-3, may refer the bill or account of any patient or former patient to a collection agency for collection of any balance due to the hospital from the patient, the hospital shall notify the patient by United States registered mail, return receipt requested, stating that if that patient does not pay the required amount due to the hospital from the patient, the matter will be referred to a collection agency for collection.
(2) If a patient or former patient of a hospital is contacted by a collection agency for collection of any amount due to a hospital from the patient without the hospital having first sent the notice required under subsection (1), and the patient notifies the State Department of Health of the hospital's violation of that subsection, the department, after a hearing complying with due process, shall fine the hospital an amount not to exceed One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00) for each such violation.
SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2012.