In a significant update, Texas Medical Association and additional plaintiffs have taken action against the rules and regulations implementing the No Surprises Act (NSA) – termed TMA I, II, III, and IV. The legal disputes were filed in the US District Court for the Eastern District of Texas, Tyler Division. District Judge Jeremy Kernodle has evaluated all four challenges and rendered his judgement regarding TMA III on August 24, 2023.
For those not familiar with it, the No Surprises Act is a federal law designed to protect patients from large, unexpected medical bills. The act is particularly pointed at bills that originate from out-of-network care providers, aiming to give patients transparent billing, regardless of whether they visit in-network or out-of-network providers.
Judge Kernodle’s verdict regarding TMA III is a milestone in the long-standing dispute over the application and interpretation of the No Surprises Act. The US Department of Justice (DOJ) has not yet commented on the judge’s opinion.
Given the high stakes involved and the potential implications for healthcare providers nationwide, the developments in this case are of great relevance to legal practitioners and experts in healthcare law. All eyes are now on the US Department of Justice and its reaction to Judge Kernodle’s judgment on TMA III.
For more details about the TMA III case, click here.