[KHTS] – A bill was passed which will ensure hospitals receive appropriate payments for health care provided to law enforcement patients in a 72-0 vote on Friday.

Assemblyman Scott Wilk

Assemblyman Scott Wilk’s, R-Santa Clarita, Assembly Bill 658 would allow providers of healthcare services to local law enforcement patients to calculate costs for care according to the most recent approved cost-to-charge ratio (CCR) from the Medicare Program.

“AB 658 fixes a glitch in the law and will ensure hospitals, like Henry Mayo, receive appropriate payments for services rendered to inmates,” Wilk said. “A non-profit community hospital should not to be burdened financially due to outdated rates.”

The bill would fix a local issue that arose at Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital.

Henry Mayo treats hundreds of inmates in their emergency department, but they do not have a contract with local law enforcement.

Consequently, the payment they receive for these services is a default rate calculated pursuant to current law.

The 38th Assembly District encompasses Simi Valley, the northwestern section of the San Fernando Valley and most of the Santa Clarita Valley.