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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