HCS HB 1082 -- HEALTH CARE LIENS (Dempsey)

COMMITTEE OF ORIGIN:  Judiciary

This substitute changes the laws regarding health care liens.
Currently, hospitals, physicians, and other health care providers
whose services have been authorized in advance by the employer or
insurer can give notice to the Division of Workers' Compensation
in the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations for services
provided for a work-related injury.  The substitute removes the
requirement that the services must be authorized in advance by
the employer or insurer.

Currently, the insurance carrier is allowed to pay the amount due
secured by the health care provider's lien directly to the
provider if the claimant authorizes it, does not challenge the
amount of customary charges, and the health care provider
releases the claimant from further liability on the cost of the
services and treatment provided.  These conditions are removed,
and the insurance carrier is required to pay the amount due
secured by the health care provider's lien directly to the health
care provider.

The substitute also allows hospitals and clinics to place a lien
on any person entitled to bring a wrongful death action.

FISCAL NOTE:  No impact on state funds in FY 2007, FY 2008, and
FY 2009.

Missouri House of Representatives
93rd General Assembly, 2nd Regular Session
Last Updated November 29, 2006 at 9:42 am