2015 -- S 0325 SUBSTITUTE A

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2015

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A N   A C T

HEALTH AND SAFETY - LICENSING OF HEALTH CARE FACILITIES

     Introduced By: Senators Miller, Archambault, McCaffrey, and Crowley

     Date Introduced: February 12, 2015

     Referred To: Senate Health & Human Services

     It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

     SECTION 1. Section 23-17-61 of the General Laws in Chapter 23-17 entitled "Licensing

of Health Care Facilities" is hereby amended to read as follows:

     23-17-61. Written estimates for hospital medical services. -- Upon the request of any

person without health coverage or with an insurance deductible of five thousand dollars ($5,000)

or higher, a hospital shall within five (5) calendar days provide that person with a written estimate

based upon the best medical information known at the time, of the amount the hospital will

require the person to pay for the health care services, procedures, and supplies that are reasonably

expected to be provided to the person by the hospital, based upon an average length of stay and

services provided for the person's diagnosis. The estimate may also indicate that it does not

reflect any unanticipated services that become apparent at the time of treatment. The hospital may

provide this estimate during normal business office hours. In addition to the estimate, the hospital

shall provide information about its financial assistance and charity care policies and contact

information for a hospital employee or office from which the person may obtain further

information about these policies. If requested, the hospital shall also provide the person with an

application for financial assistance or charity care. This section shall not apply to emergency

services.

     SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.

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EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

A N   A C T

HEALTH AND SAFETY - LICENSING OF HEALTH CARE FACILITIES

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     This act would require hospitals to provide within five (5) days, upon request, a written

estimate for hospital services to those people without health coverage or those with insurance

carrying a five thousand dollar ($5,000) deductible or higher.

     This act would take effect upon passage.

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