The issue focused on illegal fees charged by hotel chains at Boston hospitals and schools. Under federal law, hospitals can charge illegal fees as long as they pay them back through legitimate revenue sources. But lawyers say illegal fees add up when hospitals charge illegal fees for medical tests and procedures and spend illegal amounts on lawyers to sue hospitals for treating illegal immigrants.

Rep. Kristin Gillibrand, D-N.Y., accused hotel chains of illegally charging illegal fees for basic medical tests and procedures that medical professionals believe should