HB1431 amends the Illinois Fair Patient Billing Act to require hospitals that charge a separate facility fee for outpatient services to adopt a policy informing patients, as soon as reasonably practicable, that they may be subject to that fee. The required policy must explain how patients will be notified, what services and operating expenses are generally covered by facility fees, why the fee is being charged to the patient or health plan, and how patients can contact the facility for more information.
The bill also strengthens enforcement provisions under the Fair Patient Billing Act. It authorizes the Attorney General to receive and investigate complaints, issue subpoenas, seek injunctive relief, and, in appropriate cases, allow hospitals to submit a correction plan before litigation. It also sets civil monetary penalties for knowing violations and permits referral to the Illinois Department of Public Health for possible licensure action after final relief is entered and appeals are exhausted.
Impact
The bill adds a new disclosure requirement to the Fair Patient Billing Act and expands the statute’s enforcement framework. Hospitals that impose outpatient facility fees separate from professional fees will need to create patient-notice policies and provide more transparent information about those charges. The Attorney General’s authority is reinforced through complaint handling, investigative powers, civil penalties, and referral mechanisms, while the Illinois Department of Public Health may become involved in licensure consequences for serious violations.
Sentiment
The available voting history suggests broad bipartisan support and little overt opposition. The bill passed the House 103-0, the Senate 57-0, and later concurrence in the House 112-1, indicating strong consensus around improving transparency in hospital billing. No committee transcript was provided, so the record reflects support primarily through the overwhelmingly favorable roll calls.
Contention
There is little evidence of major contention in the available materials. The main policy issue is whether hospitals should be required to disclose facility fees more clearly and face stronger enforcement if they fail to do so. Any potential concern would likely come from hospitals or health systems that view the new notice requirements and enforcement tools as additional administrative burden, but the recorded votes show that such concerns did not generate significant legislative opposition.