Collection actions against crime victims - suspension

(1) A medical service provider or medical service provider billing agent shall suspend all debt collection actions against the claimant for a compensable loss under section 24-4.1-109 related to the substance of the claim pending a resolution of the claim by the board for a period of ninety days to allow an opportunity for the board to resolve the claim, if, within one hundred eighty days after date of services rendered as part of the criminal episode, the claimant files an application for a claim with the board pursuant to section 24-4.1-105 and: (a) Provides written notice to the medical service provider or its billing agent that a claim has been submitted to the board, including a crime victim compensation claim number; and (b) Authorizes the medical service provider or its billing agent to confirm with the board the claimant's claim status and date of resolution as it relates to the medical provider's specific debt. (2) The provisions of this section apply only to the claimant and not to a collateral source on the claimant's behalf. (3) The provisions of subsection (1) of this section: (a) Do not require the deletion of the debt on the claimant's credit report if the debt had already been reported to one or more credit bureaus prior to notice of the victim compensation claim being received by the medical service provider or its billing agent. (b) Do not apply to any debt where a lawsuit has been commenced against the claimant for the collection of the debt prior to notice of the victim compensation claim being received by the medical service provider or its billing agent.