Mitchell Bill Seeks to Protect Medical Credit Card Users

The Senate Business, Professions and Consumer Protections Committee passed Senator Holly J. Mitchell's (D-Culver City) bill to protect patients signing up for medical credit cards offered by their medical providers.

SB 1256 requires physicians who offer medical credit cards to provide written clarification of the financing arrangement between the patient and the bank or lender, and prohibits physicians from offering the card while the patient is under general anesthesia.

"A patient offered a credit card in a doctor's office shouldn't be taken advantage of," urged Senator Mitchell. "Many patients are vulnerable in these situations – some suffering pain, others fearful of the mounting costs associated with their doctor-recommended treatment."

Better disclosure requirements will mitigate risks created when credit cards are offered in connection with medical services. SB 1256 now heads to the Senate Judiciary Committee.