Limits the amount a provider of health care may charge for filling out certain forms associated with certain leaves of absence. (BDR 54-665)
Summary
AB 305 limits what health care providers may charge to complete medical certification forms that employers may require under the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). The bill sets a maximum fee of $30 for filling out these forms and applies to certifications requested under 29 U.S.C. § 2613, which covers leave related to an employee’s own serious health condition, care for certain family members, and care for certain service members or veterans.
The bill also indexes that $30 cap to inflation. Each year, the Department of Health and Human Services must calculate an adjusted amount based on the Consumer Price Index (All Items), determine the new cap by January 1, and post the updated amount on its website. In effect, the measure creates a statewide fee limit for a specific administrative service tied to FMLA leave documentation.
Impact
AB 305 amends Nevada law in Chapter 629 of NRS by adding a new restriction on provider billing practices for FMLA-related certification forms. It directly affects health care providers by capping the amount they may charge for completing these forms, and it benefits employees who need medical certification to support a leave request under federal law. The bill does not change FMLA eligibility or leave rights themselves, but it regulates the cost of obtaining required documentation and assigns the Department of Health and Human Services an annual administrative role in updating and publishing the fee cap.
Sentiment
The available voting history shows strong bipartisan support and no recorded opposition: the Assembly passed the bill 42-0 and the Senate passed it 20-0. No committee transcripts were provided, but the unanimous votes suggest the bill was viewed favorably as a consumer- and worker-protection measure with limited controversy. The absence of dissent indicates broad agreement on limiting charges for a required employment-related medical form.
Contention
No specific points of contention are documented in the provided materials. Potential areas of debate in a bill like this could include whether the $30 cap adequately compensates providers for administrative time, whether the cap should be higher or lower, and how inflation adjustments should be calculated and administered. However, the recorded votes and lack of transcript discussion suggest these issues did not generate visible opposition in the legislative process.