STATEMENT: PRA Applauds Oklahoma for Enacting HB 4148

Today, Cynthia Fisher, founder and chairman of PatientRightsAdvocate.org, released the following statement congratulating Oklahoma’s elected leaders for enacting HB 4148, which was passed by both chambers of the Oklahoma Legislature earlier this year to help protect patients from financial ruin. HB 4148 will prevent hospitals from sending patients' bills to collection if they do not comply with the state’s federal price transparency rule.    

"We applaud Governor Stitt and the Oklahoma Legislature on today's great achievement to benefit all healthcare consumers in Oklahoma. This new law will bring stronger enforcement for critical price transparency rules already on the books, and will improve hospital billing integrity and accountability throughout the state. It will help protect patients, families, and employers from overcharges and ensure that Oklahomans have the functional, competitive healthcare marketplace they deserve." 

The unanimous passing of HB 4148 by both the Oklahoma House and Senate is a testament to the bipartisan support for this crucial legislation and for hospital price transparency in general. Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt signed HB 4148 into law on May 16, 2024, marking a significant step towards a fair and transparent healthcare system in Oklahoma.