(a) "Financial assistance policy" means a policy that meets the requirements of section 501(r) of the Internal Revenue Code and implementing regulations.

(b) "Hospital" has the meaning given that term in ORS 442.015.

(2) A hospital shall have a written financial assistance policy that complies with the plain language standards for consumer contracts under ORS 180.545 (1).

(3) A hospital shall:

(a) Provide a paper copy of the financial assistance policy to a patient upon request;

(b) Include on each billing statement notice of:

(A) The availability of financial assistance;

(B) The contact information for the office or department of the hospital that can provide information about obtaining financial assistance; and

(C) The direct Internet address for the financial assistance policy; and

(c) Maintain public displays in locations in the hospital that are accessible to the public that notify and inform patients about the financial assistance policy. Locations that are accessible to the public include but are not limited to the emergency department, if any, and the areas where patient admissions are processed.

(4) The Oregon Health Authority shall make available to hospitals and the general public a uniform application for financial assistance, created by a trade association representing hospitals, that may be used in any hospital in this state to request financial assistance. [2018 c.50 §9; 2018 c.50 §10]

Note: 442.610 to 442.630 were enacted into law by the Legislative Assembly but were not added to or made a part of ORS chapter 442 or any series therein by legislative action. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.