2017 -- H 6298 SUBSTITUTE A

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2017

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A N   A C T

RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY - LICENSING OF HEALTH CARE FACILITIES

     

     Introduced By: Representatives Marszalkowski, Blazejewski, Knight, Casimiro, and
Regunberg

     Date Introduced: June 08, 2017

     Referred To: House Corporations

     It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

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

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

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     23-17-61. Written estimates for hospital medical services.

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     Upon the request of any person without health coverage or with an insurance deductible

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of five thousand dollars ($5,000) or higher, a hospital shall within five (5) business days, provide

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that person with a written estimate based upon the best medical information known at the time, of

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the amount the hospital will require the person to pay for the health care services, procedures, and

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supplies that are reasonably expected to be provided to the person by the hospital, based upon an

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average length of stay and services provided for the person's diagnosis and including the amount

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for any facility fees required. The estimate may also indicate that it does not reflect any

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

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

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

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

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

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

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services.

 

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     SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.

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EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

A N   A C T

RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY - LICENSING OF HEALTH CARE FACILITIES

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     This act would add two (2) requirements that a hospital provide to a prospective patient,

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the requested cost estimate of their requested anticipated hospital services within five (5) business

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days of request and the cost of any facility fee.

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     This act would take effect upon passage.

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