HB 599 -- Health Care Liens

Sponsor:  Faith

This bill 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 bill 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.

Hospitals and clinics will be allowed to place a lien on any
person entitled to bring a wrongful death action.  The lien is
strictly limited to the recovery amount attributed to the demand
for the recovery of medical expenses incurred by the decedent for
treatment of injuries.

Missouri House of Representatives
94th General Assembly, 1st Regular Session
Last Updated July 25, 2007 at 11:19 am