Section 48.77. Payment for services

(a) When setting fees, licensees shall ensure that the fees are fair, reasonable and commensurate with the services performed.

(b) Licensees may not accept goods or services as payment for professional services.

(c) Licensees shall make financial arrangements with clients/patients, third-party payors and supervisees that are reasonably understandable and conform to accepted professional practices.

(d) Prior to entering into the therapeutic or supervisory relationship, a licensee shall clearly disclose and explain to clients/patients and supervisees the following:

(1) Financial arrangements and fees related to professional services, including charges for canceled or missed appointments.

(2) The use of collection agencies or legal measures for nonpayment.

(3) The procedure for obtaining payment from the client/patient, to the extent allowed by law, if payment is denied by the third-party payor.

(e) Once services have begun, licensees shall provide reasonable notice of changes in fees or other charges.

(f) Licensees shall give reasonable notice to clients with unpaid balances of their intent to seek collection by agency or legal recourse. When this action is taken, licensees may not disclose clinical information.

(g) Licensees shall represent facts truthfully to clients, third-party payors and supervisees regarding services rendered.

(h) Licensees may not withhold records under their immediate control that are requested and needed for a client’s/patient’s treatment solely because payment has not been received for past services.

The provisions of this § 48.77 adopted September 17, 2010, effective September 18, 2010, 40 Pa.B. 5320.