Indiana Code
Chapter 9. Provision of Charitable Care by Nonprofit Hospitals
16-21-9-3.5. Public Forum; Requirements; Posting Information; Video Meeting Allowed

Sec. 3.5. (a) This section does not apply to the following:
(1) A nonprofit critical access hospital that is not:
(A) part of a hospital system; or
(B) an affiliate of a hospital or hospital system.
(2) A hospital that is established and operated under IC 16-22 or IC 16-23.
(b) Before December 31 of each year, a nonprofit hospital shall hold a public forum in which the nonprofit hospital, including the nonprofit hospital's board of directors, shall:
(1) obtain feedback from the community about the nonprofit hospital's performance in the previous year;
(2) discuss the pricing of health services provided at the nonprofit hospital; and
(3) discuss the contributions made by the nonprofit hospital to the community, including uncompensated care, charitable contributions, and any other charitable assistance programs.
(c) At least fourteen (14) days before the forum held under subsection (b), the nonprofit hospital shall post on the nonprofit hospital's Internet web site the following:
(1) A printed notice that:
(A) is designed, lettered, and featured on the Internet web site so as to be conspicuous to and readable by any individual with normal vision who visits the Internet web site;
(B) states the date, time, and location of the public forum to be held under subsection (b); and
(C) states that the purpose of the public forum is to provide members of the community with an opportunity to:
(i) comment on the nonprofit hospital's performance in the previous year;
(ii) discuss the pricing of health services provided at the nonprofit hospital; and
(iii) discuss the contributions made by the hospital to the community, including uncompensated care, charitable contributions, and any other charitable assistance programs.
(2) The following information relating to the subjects to be discussed at the public forum held under subsection (b):
(A) The nonprofit hospital's Indiana specific income statement for the previous calendar year that is prepared according to generally accepted accounting principles.
(B) Information concerning:
(i) the nonprofit hospital's pricing of health services in comparison to the amounts of reimbursement for the health services under the Medicare program;
(ii) the rationale for any pricing of health services by the nonprofit hospital that is higher than the corresponding reimbursement for the health services under the Medicare program; and
(iii) any increase in the nonprofit hospital's pricing of health services that occurred in the previous year.
(d) The public forum requirement under this section may be held, either all or in part, through an interactive real time audio and video meeting that is accessible to the community through the Internet.
As added by P.L.151-2021, SEC.8. Amended by P.L.199-2021, SEC.8.