<p class=ldtitle>A BILL to amend the Code of Virginia by adding a section numbered 54.1-2404.3, relating to health care providers; caller identification information; civil penalty.</p>
Summary
HB782 would add a new section to the Virginia Code requiring health care providers to make sure the caller identification information associated with their practice clearly identifies the practice to the person receiving the call. The bill is aimed at preventing misleading or deceptive caller ID displays in health care-related telephone communications.
The measure also creates a civil penalty for any person who knowingly causes a telephone to ring and engages in conduct that results in false caller identification information being displayed as if the caller were a health care provider. The penalty may be up to $500 per violation, plus reasonable attorney fees, expenses, and court costs. The Attorney General would be authorized to bring enforcement actions on behalf of the Commonwealth, seek injunctions, and collect civil penalties, which would be deposited into the Literary Fund.
Impact
If enacted, HB782 would create a new statutory duty for health care providers regarding outbound caller identification and would add a new enforcement mechanism under Title 54.1. It would also supplement existing Virginia law on false caller identification by specifically targeting misrepresentation involving health care providers, giving the Attorney General authority to enforce the provision and seek civil penalties and injunctive relief.
Sentiment
The available legislative history suggests limited but favorable committee movement, with a subcommittee recommending that the bill be laid on the table by a unanimous 7-0 vote. However, the bill was ultimately left in the House Committee on Health and Human Services, indicating that it did not advance beyond committee consideration. No floor debate or transcript is available, so the overall sentiment appears procedural and cautious rather than strongly supportive or opposed.
Contention
The main policy issue appears to be whether a new, provider-specific caller ID requirement and penalty scheme is necessary in addition to existing false caller identification laws. Potential concerns may include compliance burdens on health care practices, the scope of what counts as false caller identification information, and the breadth of enforcement authority given to the Attorney General. The committee record does not show recorded opposition, but the bill’s failure to move out of committee suggests unresolved questions about need, implementation, or overlap with existing law.