Chapter 366
2017 -- S 0146 SUBSTITUTE A AS AMENDED
Enacted 10/04/2017

A N   A C T
RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY - LICENSING OF HEALTH CARE FACILITIES

Introduced By: Senators Miller, Goldin, Sosnowski, Crowley, and Sheehan
Date Introduced: February 01, 2017

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 five (5) calendar 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.
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LC000463/SUB A
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