Florida hospitals required to ask patients about immigration status

A new Florida law requiring hospitals that accept Medicaid to ask patients about their immigration status took effect July 1. 

Advertisement

The requirement was set forth by SB 1718, an immigration bill Gov. Ron DeSantis signed in May, according to the Miami Herald.

Under the law, hospitals’ admission and registration forms must include a question asking if the patient is legally in the U.S. The forms must also include a statement that patients’ answers will not affect their care and that their immigration status won’t be reported to authorities. 

Hospitals will be required to submit a quarterly report on total hospital admissions and emergency room visits to the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration, the agency that oversees hospitals in the state. The report must include how many visits were made by U.S. citizens, undocumented individuals and those who declined to answer. 

At the Becker's 11th Annual IT + Revenue Cycle Conference: The Future of AI & Digital Health, taking place September 14–17 in Chicago, healthcare executives and digital leaders from across the country will come together to explore how AI, interoperability, cybersecurity, and revenue cycle innovation are transforming care delivery, strengthening financial performance, and driving the next era of digital health. Apply for complimentary registration now.

Download Whitepaper

The cost-saving opportunity most health systems overlook

Many hospitals and health systems scrutinize staffing, service lines, and payer contracts for savings. Fewer look at one of their largest assets: real estate.…

Advertisement

Next Up in Legal & Regulatory Issues

Advertisement

Comments are closed.