Bill > H7427

This bill, titled "The Primary Care Preservation Act," prohibits health insurance companies or other entities responsible for paying for healthcare services (referred to as "payors") from including clauses in their contracts with physician practices that prevent those practices from charging patients reasonable fees for non-clinical services that support their operations. These "administrative or operational fees" can cover costs like scheduling, record handling, and communication systems, and are distinct from clinical care. The bill clarifies that these fees must be disclosed to patients in advance and are not to be billed to the payor, and it does not require payors to reimburse these fees. Furthermore, the bill ensures that physician practices must still provide emergency or urgent care regardless of whether these fees are paid and must maintain reasonable access to patient records. Any contract provision that violates this act will be considered invalid.

Health and Social Services

https://status.rilegislature.gov/