County of Los Angeles Department of Consumer Affairs New Consumer Laws 2009

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MEDICAL INSURANCE – EMERGENCY ROOM CHARGES LIMITED

AB 1203, Health & Safety Code 1262.8, 1317.1, 1371.4, 1386

This law provides that after stabilizing a patient in its emergency room, a hospital that does not have a contract with the patient's health plan cannot bill the patient for post-stabilization services. Instead, the hospital must attempt to contact the patient's health plan for authorization. The hospital needs to make only one phone call, as long as a hospital representative is available if the health plan needs to call back.

For more information:
County of Los Angeles Department of Consumer Affairs
B-96 Kenneth Hahn Hall of Administration
500 W. Temple Street * Los Angeles, CA 90012-2706
Telephone (800) 593-8222 (within the County) * (213) 974-1452
Web site: dca.lacounty.gov