SEARCH SITE

VIRGINIA LAW PORTAL

SEARCHABLE DATABASES

ACROSS SESSIONS

Developed and maintained by the Division of Legislative Automated Systems.

2022 SESSION

22104509D
HOUSE BILL NO. 1221
Offered January 18, 2022
A BILL to amend and reenact § 32.1-137.01 of the Code of Virginia, relating to hospitals; charity care policies; meaningful access; individuals with low English proficiency.
----------
Patron-- Tran
----------
Referred to Committee on Health, Welfare and Institutions
----------

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1. That § 32.1-137.01 of the Code of Virginia is amended and reenacted as follows:

§ 32.1-137.01. Posting of charity care policies.

All hospitals A. Every hospital shall provide written information about the hospital's charity care policies, including policies related to free and discounted care. Such information shall be posted conspicuously in public areas of the hospital, including admissions or registration areas, emergency departments, and associated waiting rooms. Information regarding specific eligibility criteria and procedures for applying for charity care shall also be (i) provided to a patient at the time of admission or discharge, or at the time services are provided,; (ii) included with any billing statements sent to uninsured patients,; and (iii) included on any website maintained by the hospital.

B. Every hospital that is subject to the requirements of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, shall make available information about the hospital's charity care policies, including information regarding specific eligibility criteria and procedures for applying for charity care, to individuals with low English proficiency in the same manner and languages, and to the same degree, as the hospital makes available other information regarding hospital programs and services. Such information shall be (i) provided to a patient at the time of admission or discharge, or at the time services are provided; (ii) included with any billing statements sent to uninsured patients; and (iii) included on any website maintained by the hospital.