11-R436

2011 -- H 6300

Enacted 07/12/11

 

 

J O I N T R E S O L U T I O N

CREATING A LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION TO STUDY AND ADVISE ON THE NEED FOR NEW HEALTH CARE EQUIPMENT AND NEW INSTITUTIONAL HEALTH SERVICES

     

     

     Introduced By: Representatives Azzinaro, McNamara, Guthrie, Edwards, and DaSilva

     Date Introduced: June 28, 2011

 

 

     WHEREAS, It is the intent of the General Assembly to provide for the development,

establishment, and enforcement of standards for the authorization and allocation of new

institutional health services and new health care equipment; and

     WHEREAS, Health care providers and health care facilities may develop or offer new

health care equipment or institutional services in Rhode Island only with prior review and

approval, with certain exceptions, by the health services council and, other state agencies; and

     WHEREAS, Prior review and approval may be waived by the health services council in

certain circumstances; and

     WHEREAS, It would be of benefit to the health care system in Rhode Island to determine

appropriate dollars thresholds for requiring review under chapter 23-15; now, therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That a commission, known as the “New Health Care Equipment and New

Institutional Services Commission” be and the same is hereby created consisting of the following

eighteen (18) members:

     (1) Three (3) hospital CEOs nominated from among the hospitals in Rhode Island, one of

whom shall be the CEO of a community hospital which is to affiliated with a health care system;

     (2) One physician nominated from among the primary care specialty societies in Rhode

Island;

     (3) One physician nominated from among the specialty physician organizations in Rhode

Island;

     (4) One nurse or allied health professional nominated from among their state trade

organizations in Rhode Island;

     (5) One practicing nursing home administrator, nominated by a long-term care provider

organization in Rhode Island;

     (6) One provider from among the community mental health centers in Rhode Island;

     (7) One representative from among the community health centers of Rhode Island;

     (8) One person from a health professional learning institution located in Rhode Island;

     (9) Director of the department of health or designee;

     (10) Director of the department of human services or designee;

     (11) CEOs of each health insurance company that administers the health insurance of ten

percent (10%) or more of insured Rhode Islanders;

     (12) The speaker of the house or designee;

     (13) The house minority leader or designee;

     (14) The president of the senate or designee;

     (15) The senate minority leader or designee; and

     (16) The health care advocate of the department of the attorney general.

     The purpose of this task force is to evaluate and make recommendations concerning the

appropriate dollar thresholds for requiring review under chapter 23-15. This evaluation shall

consider, among other factors, the effects the thresholds have on: (i) The quality and effectiveness

of health care services in the state; (ii) The availability, accessibility, efficiency, and affordability

of health care services in the state; (iii) The financial operations and vitality of providers and

payers of health care services in the state; and (iv) The effectiveness of statewide health system

planning and the determination of need process.

     Forthwith upon pass of this resolution, the members of the commission shall meet at the

call of the speaker of the house and organize and shall select a chairperson from among the

legislators. Vacancies in said commission shall be filled in like manner as the original

appointment.

     The membership of said commission shall receive no compensation for their services.

     All departments and agencies of the state, shall furnish such advice and information,

documentary and otherwise, to said commission and its agents as is deemed necessary or

desirable by the commission to facilitate the purposes of this resolution.

     The Joint Committee on Legislative Services is hereby authorized and directed to provide

suitable quarters for said commission; and be it further

     RESOLVED, That the commission shall report its findings and recommendations to the

General Assembly no later than February 1, 2012, and said commission shall expire on February

12, 2012.

     

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LC02971

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