Prohibition on Creditors and Consumer Reporting Agencies Concerning Medical Information (Regulation V)
Published Date: 1/14/2025
Rule
Summary
Starting March 17, 2024, creditors and credit reporting agencies can no longer use your medical debt info when deciding if you qualify for credit. This rule protects your sensitive medical details from affecting your credit chances, making the process fairer and more private. If you’ve got medical bills, they won’t hurt your credit report or your wallet anymore!
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Medical Debt Can't Hurt Your Credit
Starting March 17, 2024, creditors generally may not consider medical debt information when deciding if you qualify for credit. "Medical debt information" under the rule means debt owed (or once owed) to a health care provider or that provider's agent or assignee, and it includes medical bills that are not past due or that have been paid.
Limits on Credit Bureaus Sharing Medical Debt
Consumer reporting agencies may only furnish a consumer report containing medical debt to a creditor if the agency has reason to believe the creditor will use the medical debt information in a way that is allowed by the rule and that the creditor is not legally prohibited from obtaining or using it (including by State law).
Narrow Exceptions Let Some Uses Continue
The rule preserves narrow exceptions allowing creditors to obtain or use medical information in specific situations, for example for determinations related to income, benefits, or the purpose of a loan, and for medical information included in a transaction history of an account when accessed with the consumer's authorization (see 12 CFR 1033.111(b)(1)–(3)). The rule also includes an example addressing Regulation Z ability-to-repay or pay requirements.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-20792, Raisins Produced From Grapes Grown in California; Order Amending Marketing Order No. 989
California raisin producers just voted to shake things up! The USDA is cutting the Raisin Committee from 47 to 21 members, changing how reps are chosen, and tweaking rules about raisin quality and marketing. These changes kick in on November 9, 2026, aiming to make raisin handling smoother and more modern without extra costs.
2026-20726, Medical Devices; Cardiovascular Devices; Classification of the Infant Pulse Rate and Oxygen Saturation Monitor for Over-the-Counter Use
The FDA is officially classifying infant pulse rate and oxygen saturation monitors for over-the-counter use as Class II devices with special safety rules. This change makes these monitors easier to get, safer to use, and less costly to bring to market. Starting October 9, 2026, parents and caregivers can expect better access to these helpful devices without extra red tape.
2026-20727, Medical Devices; Immunology and Microbiology Devices; Classification of the System for Detection of Nucleic Acid From Non-Viral Microorganism(s) Causing Sexually Transmitted Infections Using Home-Collected Specimens
The FDA is officially classifying home test kits that detect non-viral germs causing sexually transmitted infections as Class II devices, meaning they have special safety rules but fewer hurdles than the strictest category. This change, effective October 9, 2026, helps make these tests safer and easier to get, benefiting patients and innovators alike. If you make or use these home test kits, this update means better access and clear safety standards without extra costs or delays.
2026-20722, Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (AHD) Helicopters
If you own or fly an Airbus Helicopters Deutschland MBB-BK 117 C-1, listen up! The FAA found a problem where a part called the louver box assembly might come loose during flight because it was installed wrong. Starting October 26, 2026, pilots and maintenance crews must regularly check this part and fix any issues to keep flights safe. This might mean some extra work and costs, but safety always comes first!
2026-20725, Medical Devices; Immunology and Microbiology Devices; Classification of the Hematopoietic Cell Enrichment Kit
The FDA is officially putting the hematopoietic cell enrichment kit into Class II, meaning it now has special safety rules but fewer hurdles than the highest-risk devices. This change helps make sure the kit is safe and effective while speeding up patient access to this cool medical tech. The new classification took effect on October 9, 2026, but has been in place since November 6, 2023, so manufacturers and patients can benefit now without extra costs.
2026-20736, Air Plan Approval; Michigan; Clean Data Determination for the Berrien, MI and Muskegon, MI Areas for the 2015 Ozone Standards
Great news for folks in Berrien and Muskegon counties, Michigan! The EPA says these areas have cleaned up their air enough to meet the 2015 ozone standards. Because of this, they don’t have to submit extra air quality plans or controls for now, saving time and effort as long as the air stays clean.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-00625, Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Fisheries; General Category January Through March Quota Transfer
NOAA is moving 20.5 metric tons of Atlantic bluefin tuna quota from December 2025 to the January-March 2025 period. This gives commercial fishermen and charter boats with commercial endorsements more chances to catch and sell bluefin tuna early in the year. The change kicks in January 8, 2025, and lasts through March 31, 2025, helping fishermen make the most of their fishing season.
Next: 2024-31350, Buy America Requirements for Manufactured Products
Starting March 17, 2025, all manufactured products used in Federal-aid highway projects must be made in the USA—no more general waivers! This change affects contractors and suppliers working on these projects, making sure taxpayer money supports American jobs and businesses. Get ready to buy American and keep our highways strong and proudly homegrown!