                                 CODE OF VIRGINIA

EFFECT OF FILING A CLAIM; STAY OF DEBT COLLECTION ACTIVITIES BY HEALTH CARE
PROVIDERS (§ 19.2-368.5:2)

A. Whenever a person files a claim under this chapter, all health care
providers, as defined in &#xA7; 8.01-581.1 that have been given notice of a
pending claim, shall refrain from all debt collection activities relating to
medical treatment received by the person in connection with such claim until an
award is made on the claim or until a claim is determined to be noncompensable
pursuant to &#xA7; 19.2-368.11:1. The statute of limitations for collection of
such debt shall be tolled during the period in which the applicable health care
provider is required to refrain from debt collection activities hereunder.

B. For the purpose of this section, &#8220;debt collection activities&#8221;
means repeatedly calling or writing to the claimant and threatening either to
turn the matter over to a debt collection agency or to an attorney for
collection, enforcement or filing of other process. The term shall not include
routine billing or inquiries about the status of the claim.

HISTORY: 2005, c. 683.