Minnesota Senator Al Franken (D-Minn.) this week announced legislation proposing tougher rules for medical debt collectors and healthcare providers.
The End Debt Collector Abuse Act would prohibit debt collectors from approaching patients in hospital emergency rooms, intensive care units or labor and delivery departments. It also contains provisions that would help patients understand the nature of their debt.
"Minnesotans should be able to see their doctor without being harassed for payment when they're in pain in the emergency room and without worrying that their private information will end up in the wrong hands," said Sen. Franken. "My legislation would protect patients and consumers by prohibiting abusive debt collection practices and requiring health providers to do everything they can to protect private medical information."
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The End Debt Collector Abuse Act would prohibit debt collectors from approaching patients in hospital emergency rooms, intensive care units or labor and delivery departments. It also contains provisions that would help patients understand the nature of their debt.
"Minnesotans should be able to see their doctor without being harassed for payment when they're in pain in the emergency room and without worrying that their private information will end up in the wrong hands," said Sen. Franken. "My legislation would protect patients and consumers by prohibiting abusive debt collection practices and requiring health providers to do everything they can to protect private medical information."
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