SERVICE PROVIDER LIEN RESTRICTIONS

HB 495 restricts how medical service providers (like hospitals) can claim liens on personal injury settlement payments. It requires providers to send certified mail notices detailing their lien to the liable party and their insurance carrier *before* paying the patient, and makes liable parties responsible for paying the lien if they don't. The bill also limits providers' interest in settlements to only the lien amount, requiring them to release the lien upon payment. This directly affects patients receiving injury settlements, medical providers seeking payment, and liable parties (like drivers or insurers). The bill was postponed indefinitely in June 2025 and did not become law.