Committee backs narrower penalties for ambulatory surgery centers in PCS to HB 1207

Representative Oliver presented the PCS for HB 1207, explaining the measure leaves existing requirements that hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers provide good faith cost estimates but adjusts civil penalties. Sponsor said the current identical $1,000-per-day fine for both hospitals and ASCs was disproportionate and the PCS lowers ASC penalties to $250 per day with a lower cap while retaining hospital penalties.

There were no amendments or public witnesses. After the sponsor closed his remarks, the committee waived further debate and recorded a roll call of 16 yays and 0 nays; the PCS was shown as reported favorably.

The committee record does not show specific dollar-cap language read into the record during presentation; the sponsor characterized the change as "right sizing the penalties."