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SB 839

AN ACT ESTABLISHING THAT THE VIOLATION OF ANY PROVISION PROHIBITING THE COLLECTION OF A FACILITY FEE BY A HOSPITAL, HEALTH SYSTEM OR HOSPITAL-BASED FACILITY FOR CERTAIN OUTPATIENT HEALTH CARE SERVICES IS AN UNFAIR TRADE PRACTICE.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Martin Looney

Connecticut bill classifies unauthorized hospital facility fees on outpatient care as unfair trade practices, enabling consumer enforcement and attorney general action against offending providers.

REF. TO JOINT COMM. ON Public Health
#fees #hospitalrates #outpatientclinics #unfairordeceptivetradepractices
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Bill Summary · SB 839

Legislative bill overview

SB 839 classifies the unauthorized collection of facility fees by hospitals and health systems for certain outpatient services as an unfair trade practice under Connecticut law. This would create legal recourse for patients and enforcement mechanisms through the state's consumer protection framework for hospitals that violate existing prohibitions on these fees.

Why is this important

Facility fees—charges added to outpatient care beyond the provider's service fee—have become a significant cost burden for patients seeking routine care. By designating violations as unfair trade practices, this bill enables the state attorney general and patients to pursue legal action, potentially reducing hidden costs in healthcare and increasing price transparency for outpatient services.

Potential points of contention

  • Definition ambiguity: The bill references "certain outpatient health care services" but doesn't specify which services are covered, potentially creating disputes about applicability and enforcement
  • Hospital financial impact: Healthcare systems argue facility fees help cover infrastructure and operational costs; this classification could pressure reimbursement models and hospital margins
  • Enforcement mechanics: Unclear whether individual patients can sue, only the attorney general can enforce, or both—affecting practical impact and litigation burden on courts

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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