SB 402

This bill prohibits a healthcare provider from reporting a patient's medical debt to a consumer reporting agency , but does not prohibit a healthcare provider from reporting such debt to a debt collections agency . This bill provides that i f a consumer reporting agency includes information in a consumer report , then the person to whom the consumer report applies may dispute the completeness or accuracy of such information, as provided under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act. This bill requires that a violation of this part constitutes a violation of the Tennessee Consumer Protection Act of 1977 ("TCPA"") as an unfair or deceptive act or practice affecting trade or commerce . It is subject to the penalties and remedies as provided in the TCPA. The penalty for a deceptive act under the TCPA is a Class B misdemeanor, punishable by no more than six months in prison or a fine of no more than $500, or both. This bill requires that i n addition to the penalties and remedies of the TCPA, t he at torney general has all of the investigative and enforcement authority that the attorney general has under the TCPA relating to alleged violations. The attorney general may institute any proceedings involving alleged violations in Davidson County circuit o r chancery court or any other venue otherwise permitted by law. Costs of any kind or nature cannot be taxed against the attorney general or this state in actions commenced under this bill ."