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HB 385

Courts and Judicial Proceedings - Evidence - Rebuttable Presumption of Medical Bills

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jason Buckel and 1 co-sponsor

Maryland bill creates legal presumption that medical bills are accurate unless proven otherwise, shifting burden to challengers in court proceedings and potentially increasing medical damage awards.

Hearing 2/18 at 1:00 p.m.
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Bill Summary · HB 385

Legislative bill overview

HB 385 establishes a rebuttable presumption that medical bills submitted as evidence in court proceedings are accurate and reasonable. This means courts would treat medical bills as presumptively valid unless a party provides evidence to contradict them, shifting the burden of proof in disputes over medical costs.

Why is this important

Medical billing disputes frequently arise in personal injury cases, workers' compensation claims, and civil litigation. This bill directly affects how courts evaluate the legitimacy of medical expenses, potentially making it easier for plaintiffs to recover full medical costs while making it more difficult for defendants to challenge those charges as inflated or unnecessary.

Potential points of contention

  • Impact on defendants and insurance companies: Placing the burden on defendants to disprove medical bills could increase litigation costs and insurance payouts, potentially affecting insurance premiums and settlement negotiations
  • Medical billing accuracy concerns: Healthcare billing is notoriously complex with frequent errors, coding mistakes, and inflated charges; this presumption may lock in problematic bills without sufficient scrutiny
  • Balance of fairness: Creates asymmetrical evidentiary treatment that favors plaintiffs, raising questions about whether medical providers should face greater accountability for billing practices before courts enforce payment

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

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