2013 -- S 0427

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LC01134

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STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2013

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A N A C T

RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS - OPTOMETRISTS

     Introduced By: Senators Ciccone, DiPalma, Walaska, and Felag

     Date Introduced: February 26, 2013

     Referred To: Senate Health & Human Services

It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

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     SECTION 1. Section 5-35.1-11.1 of the General Laws in Chapter 5-35.1 entitled

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"Optometrists" is hereby amended to read as follows:

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     5-35.1-11.1. Subcontracted optometry network. -- An insurer, including a company

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offering accident and sickness insurance as defined in chapter 27-18, a nonprofit hospital service

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corporation as defined in chapter 27-19, a nonprofit medical service corporation as defined in

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chapter 27-20, or a health maintenance organization as defined in chapter 27-41, shall not require

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that an optometrist provide discounted material benefits and/or participate in an insurer's and/or in

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a subsidiary's or a third-party's vision care plan as a condition for participation in the insurer's

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participating provider panel.

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     SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.

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LC01134

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EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

A N A C T

RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS - OPTOMETRISTS

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     This act would prohibit insurers from requiring optometrists to provide discounted

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material benefits and/or to participate in a subsidiary and/or third-party vision care plan as a

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condition for participation in the insurer's participating provider panel.

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     This act would take effect upon passage.

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LC01134

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