Sec. 241.252. NOTICE OF FEES. (a) In this section, "provider network" has the meaning assigned by Section 1456.001, Insurance Code.

(b) A facility described by Section 241.251 shall post notice that:

(1) states:

(A) the facility is a freestanding emergency medical care facility;

(B) the facility charges rates comparable to a hospital emergency room and may charge a facility fee;

(C) a facility or a physician providing medical care at the facility may not be a participating provider in the patient's health benefit plan provider network; and

(D) a physician providing medical care at the facility may bill separately from the facility for the medical care provided to a patient; and

(2) either:

(A) lists the health benefit plans in which the facility is a participating provider in the health benefit plan's provider network; or

(B) states the facility is not a participating provider in any health benefit plan provider network.

(c) The notice required by this section must be posted prominently and conspicuously:

(1) at the primary entrance to the facility;

(2) in each patient treatment room;

(3) at each location within the facility at which a person pays for health care services; and

(4) on the facility's Internet website.

(d) The notice required by Subsections (c)(1), (2), and (3) must be in legible print on a sign with dimensions of at least 8.5 inches by 11 inches.

(e) Notwithstanding Subsection (c), a facility that is a participating provider in one or more health benefit plan provider networks complies with Subsection (b)(2) if the facility:

(1) provides notice on the facility's Internet website listing the health benefit plans in which the facility is a participating provider in the health benefit plan's provider network; and

(2) provides to a patient written confirmation of whether the facility is a participating provider in the patient's health benefit plan's provider network.

Added by Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 185 (S.B. 425), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2015.

Amended by:

Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 175 (H.B. 3276), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2017.