0
0

Justice for Patients Act

12/30/2022, 5:47 PM

Summary of Bill HR 3947

The Justice for Patients Act, also known as Bill 117 hr 3947, is a piece of legislation currently being considered by the US Congress. The main goal of this bill is to protect patients' rights and ensure that they receive fair treatment in the healthcare system.

One key provision of the Justice for Patients Act is the establishment of a Patient Advocacy Board. This board would be responsible for investigating complaints from patients regarding their treatment and care, and would have the authority to recommend disciplinary action against healthcare providers found to be in violation of patients' rights.

Additionally, the bill includes measures to improve transparency in healthcare pricing and billing practices. Healthcare providers would be required to provide patients with clear and understandable information about the costs of their care, including any potential out-of-pocket expenses. This is aimed at helping patients make more informed decisions about their healthcare and avoid unexpected financial burdens. Furthermore, the Justice for Patients Act seeks to strengthen protections for patients' privacy and confidentiality. Healthcare providers would be required to adhere to strict guidelines for the handling of patients' personal and medical information, in order to prevent unauthorized access or disclosure. Overall, the Justice for Patients Act aims to empower patients and ensure that they receive fair and respectful treatment in the healthcare system. By establishing a Patient Advocacy Board, improving transparency in pricing and billing, and strengthening privacy protections, this bill seeks to uphold the rights of patients and promote better outcomes in healthcare.

Congressional Summary of HR 3947

Justice for Patients Act

This bill prohibits private health insurance plans from (1) including any mandatory arbitration provision for disputes related to the plan, or (2) limiting the ability of a plan enrollee to participate in a class action lawsuit related to the plan.

Further, the applicability of this bill to an arbitration agreement may not be determined by an arbitrator.

Current Status of Bill HR 3947

Bill HR 3947 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since June 16, 2021. Bill HR 3947 was introduced during Congress 117 and was introduced to the House on June 16, 2021.  Bill HR 3947's most recent activity was Referred to the Subcommittee on Health. as of June 17, 2021

Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 3947

Total Number of Sponsors
1
Democrat Sponsors
1
Republican Sponsors
0
Unaffiliated Sponsors
0
Total Number of Cosponsors
14
Democrat Cosponsors
14
Republican Cosponsors
0
Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 3947

Primary Policy Focus

Health

Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 3947

Justice for Patients Act
To prohibit the inclusion of mandatory predispute arbitration clauses and clauses limiting class action lawsuits in health insurance contracts.
Justice for Patients Act

Comments