SENATE BILL 639
On July 1, 2020, California Senate bill 639 went into effect.
Senate bill 639 is an act to amend, repeal, and add Section 654.3 of the Business and Professions Code, relating to healing arts.
Under Senate bill 639, medical service providers:
NEW REQUIREMENTS
Can’t complete any portion of an application for credit or a loan for a patient that offers deferred interest promotions, but they can still promote financing options and transact.
Can’t use software that pre-populates any portion of the application.
Can’t allow a patient to apply while the patient is in a treatment area, such as an exam room or surgical room, unless the patient agrees to fill out and sign the application there.
EXISTING REQUIREMENTS
Can’t charge a patient more than 30 days before the procedure or treatment begins or before medical service provider costs related to that procedure or treatment are incurred.
Must provide a written treatment plan and breakdown of costs before services are rendered.
Must provide a written notice (specific language in the bill) and have it signed by the patient stating they understand they are applying for credit or a loan. If they speak to the patient in a language other than English, the written notice must be in the language they communicated in.
Must provide a written treatment plan including service and cost for each service. If the patient is covered by insurance, the treatment plan must show what is covered by insurance and what is not. If the provider chooses not to bill insurance, the written treatment plan must state that the patient has the right to confirm benefits before beginning treatment.
Can’t apply while patient is sedated.