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SB 269

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

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Shaneka Henson

SB 269 presumes medical bills presented in court are accurate unless challenged, shifting burden of proof to defendants in Maryland personal injury and medical liability cases.

Hearing 2/03 at 2:00 p.m.
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Bill Summary · SB 269

Legislative bill overview

SB 269 establishes a rebuttable presumption that medical bills presented as evidence in court proceedings are accurate and reasonable unless proven otherwise. This shifts the burden of proof, making it easier for plaintiffs to establish damages in cases involving medical expenses without requiring expert testimony to validate every bill. The defendant would then need to provide evidence to challenge the legitimacy or reasonableness of the medical charges.

Why is this important

Medical billing is a significant component of personal injury damages, workers' compensation claims, and other lawsuits. Currently, defendants can challenge medical bills by questioning their necessity or reasonableness, often requiring costly expert witnesses. This bill would streamline litigation by establishing medical bills as presumptively valid, potentially reducing trial time and costs for plaintiffs while making it harder for defendants to dispute medical expenses. It could increase settlement values and affect how insurance companies evaluate claims.

Potential points of contention

  • Fairness to defendants: Shifting the burden of proof may disadvantage defendants facing inflated or unnecessary medical charges, particularly in cases where providers bill at rates significantly above standard market rates or provide questionable treatments
  • Healthcare cost concerns: Making bills presumptively valid could incentivize higher medical billing practices, potentially increasing overall healthcare costs and insurance premiums
  • Scope ambiguity: The bill's language regarding what constitutes a "medical bill" and which proceedings qualify under this presumption may create interpretive disputes in court applications

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

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