HEALTH: Provides relative to penalties for noncompliance with Federal requirements for healthcare cost publication (OR +$389,507 GF EX See Note)

HB 946 requires Louisiana hospitals to comply with federal pricing transparency rules (45 CFR Part 180) by publishing standardized pricing information. It mandates the state health department to verify compliance annually and publicly list non-compliant hospitals starting January 1, 2027. Hospitals failing to meet these requirements cannot pursue debt collection for services provided after that date, and patients may sue if collection actions occur. If found non-compliant, hospitals must refund payments, pay penalties, dismiss legal actions, or remove credit reports related to the debt. The bill directly affects hospitals, patients, and healthcare billing practices, focusing on enforcing federal transparency rules with clear consequences for noncompliance.