No ambulance-chasing for profit (new law)

A new law, signed by Gov. Tim Pawlenty April 24, prohibits health care professionals from contacting a recent auto incident victim, either in person, by phone or e-mail. More specifically, they cannot contact a victim with the “purpose of influencing that person to receive treatment or to purchase any good or item.” They are also prohibited from sending a “runner” or someone sent on their behalf.

Sponsored by Rep. A. Willie Dominguez (DFL-Mpls) and Sen. Dan Sparks (DFL-Austin), the new law takes effect Aug. 1, 2008.

As the result of an amendment from Rep. Terry Morrow (DFL-St. Peter), the law allows for contact from a doctor if there was a prior relationship. For instance, if someone ends up in the hospital after an accident and the hospital contacts the patient’s primary physician, that doctor can initiate contact. Also exempt are operators of ambulances who come upon an accident.

HF2721/SF2765*/CH214