2016 -- S 2207 SUBSTITUTE A

========

LC003954/SUB A

========

     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2016

____________

A N   A C T

RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY - LICENSING OF HEALTH CARE FACILITIES

     Introduced By: Senators Miller, McCaffrey, Sosnowski, Pichardo, and Walaska

     Date Introduced: January 27, 2016

     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 two (2) business 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 and including the amount for any facility

fees required. 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.

========

LC003954/SUB A

========

LC003954/SUB A - Page 2 of 2

EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

A N   A C T

RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY - LICENSING OF HEALTH CARE FACILITIES

***

     This act would require hospitals to provide within two (2) business days, a written

estimate for medical services over five thousand dollars ($5,000), including facility fees.

     This act would take effect upon passage.

========

LC003954/SUB A

========

LC003954/SUB A - Page 3 of 2