2017 -- S 0146

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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: Senators Miller, Goldin, Sosnowski, Crowley, and Sheehan

     Date Introduced: February 01, 2017

     Referred To: Senate Health & Human Services

     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 two (2) business 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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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,

the requested cost estimate of their requested anticipated hospital services within two (2) business

days of request and the cost of any facility fee.

     This act would take effect upon passage.

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