The bill amends Chapter 23-17 of the General Laws to require hospitals to screen uninsured patients for eligibility for public health insurance programs and hospital financial assistance, contingent upon patient consent. Hospitals must perform this screening promptly and in accordance with § 23-17-54. If a patient declines or does not respond, the hospital must document this. Hospitals are also tasked with assisting potentially eligible patients by providing information and referrals. Billing is limited to copayments or coinsurance if the patient is approved for public health insurance; if denied, the hospital must offer another financial assistance screening. Hospitals must inform patients about financial assistance through signage and online notices. The executive office of health and human services will oversee compliance, with the attorney general authorized to investigate and act against non-compliance. Additionally, the bill includes a joint resolution for the Secretary of the Executive Office of Health and Human Services to develop a pilot Acute Hospital Care at Home Program, in line with federal initiatives, to be integrated with existing federal program participants.

The pilot program allows for the provision of acute care services at home for individuals covered by the program, with Medicaid required to cover and reimburse these services to maintain budget neutrality. The program is limited to current participants at the time of its expiration and will continue for up to 90 days for Medicaid-eligible individuals, without stricter criteria than hospital services. The Secretary is responsible for necessary amendments, waivers, and regulations, and may waive state rules for implementation. The pilot will end when the federal program expires, and a cost report will be submitted to the Governor and General Assembly. The act's provisions for hospital screenings take effect on January 1, 2025, while the pilot program provisions become effective on July 1, 2024.