(a) General applicability. Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, the requirements of this part apply to hospitals as defined at § 180.20.

(b) Exception. Federal and State hospitals are deemed by CMS to be in compliance with the requirements of this part including but not limited to:

(1) Federally owned hospital facilities, including facilities operated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and Military Treatment Facilities operated by the U.S. Department of Defense.

(2) Hospitals operated by an Indian Health Program as defined in section 4(12) of the Indian Health Care Improvement Act.

(3) State forensic hospitals that provide treatment exclusively to individuals who are in the custody of penal authorities.

(c) Online availability. Unless otherwise stated, hospital charge information must be made public electronically via the internet.

[84 FR 65602, Nov. 27, 2019, as amended at 86 FR 63998, Nov. 16, 2021]