It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

SECTION 1. Chapter 23-17 of the General Laws entitled "Licensing of Health Care Facilities" is hereby amended by adding thereto the following section:

23-17-52. Department of health Concern Line. -- Any hospital licensed pursuant to this chapter shall provide the department of health's concern line number to all patients and staff through posted notices in conspicuous places throughout the hospital.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect on September 1, 2000.