SB3976Introduced in the Senate
PATIENT BILL & OUTSOURCED CARE
Introduced by Omar Aquino, District 2
What does this bill do?
Plain-English breakdown
Writing a plain-English summary of this bill… this can take a few seconds the first time.
Official description
Amends the Fair Patient Billing Act. Makes changes to findings and defined terms provisions. Provides that a hospital shall not deny any protection or benefit of the Act on the basis of a patient's citizenship or immigration status or assets or prospective assets. Provides that a patient who inquires about a denial of financial assistance in whole or in part must be permitted to appeal the decision within at least 90 days. Requires a hospital to use only a uniform financial assistance form developed and provided by the Attorney General no later than December 31, 2026. Provides that every hospital bill and every collection notice must notify the patient, in the patient's preferred language, of the availability of hospital financial assistance and charity care. Establishes further provisions concerning hospitals pursuing collection actions; outsourced health care services; patient responsibilities; and applicability of the Act. Amends the Hospital Uninsured Patient Discount Act. Sets forth provisions concerning uninsured patient discounts for specified income levels. Prohibits hospitals from making the availability of a discount under the Act contingent upon the uninsured patient first applying for coverage under public health insurance programs. Provides that patients may not be denied a discount under the Act on the basis of citizenship or immigration status or assets or prospective assets. Makes other changes concerning uninsured patient discounts, outsourcing health care services, and patient responsibilities. Effective immediately.
Where it stands
Added as Co-Sponsor Sen. Mike Simmons
April 23, 2026
How did lawmakers vote?
No recorded vote is available for this bill yet.
Bill history
Filed with Secretary by Sen. Omar Aquino
First Reading
Referred to Assignments
Added as Co-Sponsor Sen. Karina Villa
Added as Co-Sponsor Sen. Graciela Guzmán
Added as Co-Sponsor Sen. Mark L. Walker
Added as Co-Sponsor Sen. Napoleon Harris III
Added as Co-Sponsor Sen. Mike Simmons
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