Bill > H7109

This bill establishes the "Patient Brokering Act" to prohibit the practice of paying or receiving kickbacks, bribes, or other financial incentives to refer patients to or from healthcare providers or facilities, defining key terms like "health care provider" (licensed medical professionals and facilities), "health care provider network entity" (groups of providers working together), and "health insurer" (companies and plans that cover medical costs). The act makes it an unfair sales practice to engage in such referral schemes, with specific exceptions for legitimate business practices like discounts, payments within group practices, professional consultation fees, and standard insurance agent commissions, among others. Violators face felony charges and significant monetary penalties, ranging from $50,000 to $500,000 depending on the number of patients involved, and the Rhode Island Attorney General is empowered to seek injunctions and recover legal expenses to enforce these provisions, with these penalties being in addition to any other legal actions.

Business and Industry

https://status.rilegislature.gov/