19.2-368.5:2 - Effect of filing a claim; stay of debt collection activities by health care providers. - Virginia Statutes

§ 19.2-368.5:2. Effect of filing a claim; stay of debt collection activitiesby health care providers.

A. Whenever a person files a claim under this chapter, all health careproviders, as defined in § 8.01-581.1 that have been given notice of apending claim, shall refrain from all debt collection activities relating tomedical treatment received by the person in connection with such claim untilan award is made on the claim or until a claim is determined to benoncompensable pursuant to § 19.2-368.11:1. The statute of limitations forcollection of such debt shall be tolled during the period in which theapplicable health care provider is required to refrain from debt collectionactivities hereunder.

B. For the purpose of this section, "debt collection activities" meansrepeatedly calling or writing to the claimant and threatening either to turnthe matter over to a debt collection agency or to an attorney for collection,enforcement or filing of other process. The term shall not include routinebilling or inquiries about the status of the claim.

(2005, c. 683.)