Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA): Federal law that protects consumers from abusive debt collection practices and sets standards for debt collection communications

Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA): Federal law governing the collection, dissemination, and use of consumer credit information, including medical debt reporting

Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA): Federal law that protects patient medical information privacy and sets standards for handling protected health information in billing communications

Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA): Federal healthcare reform law that includes provisions for medical billing practices and patient protections

State Debt Collection Regulations: Varying state-specific laws governing debt collection practices and consumer protections at the state level

State Medical Billing Requirements: State-specific regulations determining how medical services must be billed and documented

State Consumer Protection Laws: State-level laws protecting consumers from unfair billing practices and ensuring transparency in healthcare costs

Hospital Price Transparency Rule: Federal requirement for hospitals to provide clear, accessible pricing information to patients

No Surprises Act: Federal law protecting patients from unexpected medical bills, particularly from out-of-network providers

CMS Guidelines: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services requirements for medical billing and collections practices

AHA Billing Guidelines: American Hospital Association's recommended practices for fair and transparent medical billing

State Charity Care Requirements: State-specific regulations regarding hospital obligations to provide and communicate about charity care options