Professional Fees

Record Copy Fees
Fees for copies of records are charged in accordance with the current Washington Administrative Code (WAC 246-08-400):

• $1.24 per page for the first 30 pages

• $0.94 per page for additional pages

• Clerical fee of $28.00 per transmission for searching, handling, and processing records

Legal-Related Fees
A base rate of $400 per hour is charged for all services related to legal matters, including but not limited to:

• Attendance at legal proceedings

• Depositions or testimony

• Consultation with attorneys

• Legal records review

• Report or opinion writing

• Preparation for legal participation

• Travel time (portal-to-portal) related to legal proceedings

In accordance with Washington law, the party requesting Dr. Hart’s professional involvement is generally responsible for payment. However, if that party does not pay, the client remains ultimately responsible for all costs associated with legal involvement regardless of which party initiated the request. This includes situations in which Dr. Hart is subpoenaed or called to testify regarding the client. Clients are encouraged to discuss any potential legal involvement in advance whenever possible.

Returned Check Fees
If a check is returned unpaid, clients are responsible for the greater of $40 or any applicable bank fees, as permitted by Washington State law.

Unpaid Balances

Clients are responsible for maintaining a current account balance and complying with any payment arrangements made with the practice. Accounts must be brought into good standing through payment in full or through a payment plan that is established and followed as agreed. If an unpaid balance exceeds 60 days, and depending on the circumstances, steps to address the balance may include:

• Adjusting session frequency and/or length

• Requiring payment, or adherance to a payment plan, prior to scheduling further appointments

• Establishing or revising a payment plan

• Pausing ongoing services until the account is brought into good standing

• Referral to a provider or agency with a lower-fee structure if ongoing treatment cannot be maintained under the current financial circumstances

These steps are intended to support continuity of care while maintaining the financial structure necessary for ongoing treatment.

Referral to Collections & Recovery of Fees

If a balance remains unpaid for more than 60 days and payment arrangements have not been established or are not being followed as agreed, the account may be referred to a collection agency for recovery of outstanding fees, as permitted by Washington State law. Collection actions may become part of a client’s credit record and may remain there for up to seven years.

Balances older than 60 days may be subject to one or more of the following, as appropriate:

• Collection agency fees (at the rate set by the collection agency)

• Finance charges of 1.5% per month (18% annually) until paid in full

Washington law also allows recovery of unpaid fees through small claims court when appropriate. Clients are responsible for reasonable costs associated with fee recovery, which may be added to the outstanding balance.