2023 -- S 1057

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LC002972

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2023

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A N   A C T

RELATING TO COURTS AND CIVIL PROCEDURE -- PROCEDURE GENERALLY --

EVIDENCE

     

     Introduced By: Senators Euer, and LaMountain

     Date Introduced: May 19, 2023

     Referred To: Senate Judiciary

     It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

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     SECTION 1. Chapter 9-19 of the General Laws entitled "Evidence" is hereby amended by

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adding thereto the following section:

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     9-19-45. Fair and reasonable charge for medical and healthcare services in all civil

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actions.

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     In all civil actions now or hereinafter pending in any court, agency, arbitration forum, or

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other tribunal based upon a cause of action for injury or for wrongful death, including causes of

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action based upon medical, dental, or professional malpractice, the fair and reasonable charge for

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medical, hospital, therapeutic, and other health care services shall be the amount billed by the

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licensed health care provider. The amount paid to the licensed health care provider by any health,

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accident or disability insurer, any state or federal health insurance or disability program, any

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medical payments or personal injury protection insurance, or any workers' compensation benefits,

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and the acceptance thereof by the licensed health care provider in full satisfaction of the amount

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billed, shall be inadmissible as evidence of the fair and reasonable charge for such services.

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     SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.

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LC002972

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EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

A N   A C T

RELATING TO COURTS AND CIVIL PROCEDURE -- PROCEDURE GENERALLY --

EVIDENCE

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     This act would prohibit the introduction into court proceedings of any evidence that the

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fair and reasonable charge for healthcare services is the amount received by the healthcare provider

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rather than the amount billed by healthcare providers.

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     This act would take effect upon passage.

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LC002972

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