Senator Donate presents Senate Bill 378 to enhance healthcare transparency in Nevada

The Senate Committee on Health and Human Services convened on April 1, 2025, to discuss Senate Bill 378, which proposes significant revisions to healthcare regulations in Nevada. The meeting was led by Chair Fabian Donate, who emphasized the bill's focus on enhancing provider-to-patient transparency and regulating emergency medical centers.

Fernanda Ramos, an intern assisting Donate, presented the key provisions of SB 378. The bill aims to improve the electronic maintenance, transmittal, and exchange of health information, ensuring that patients can access their medical records promptly. It also establishes a program to raise awareness about independent centers for emergency medical care, requiring certain facilities to be licensed as such. Notably, the bill prohibits non-competition clauses for physicians and mandates that custodians of health records provide these records without charge under specific circumstances.

Ramos highlighted a concerning trend: a decline in trust among patients, providers, and government health officials since the COVID-19 pandemic. This erosion of trust is attributed to perceptions that healthcare providers prioritize financial interests over patient care and a lack of transparency regarding medical records. The bill addresses these issues by implementing measures to combat Medicaid fraud, including procedures for verifying claims and reviewing the appropriateness of services provided under Medicaid.

The discussion also touched on the challenges posed by freestanding emergency departments (EDs), which often charge patients emergency room rates despite being marketed as urgent care facilities. An example was provided of a patient who faced unexpectedly high bills after visiting a freestanding ED. The bill seeks to improve oversight of these facilities to ensure they meet their intended purpose of addressing healthcare access gaps without imposing excessive costs on patients.

In conclusion, Senate Bill 378 represents a comprehensive effort to enhance healthcare accessibility, transparency, and patient care in Nevada. The committee's discussions underscored the importance of restoring trust in the healthcare system and ensuring that patients receive fair treatment and clear information regarding their healthcare options. Further steps will be taken to advance the bill through the legislative process.