The bill amends Section 23-17-19.1 of the General Laws in Chapter 23-17, entitled "Licensing of Healthcare Facilities," to include additional patient rights within healthcare facilities. The bill outlines a comprehensive list of 18 rights that healthcare facilities must observe, which include the right to considerate and respectful care, the right to know the names of physicians responsible for care, the right to refuse treatment, the right to privacy and confidentiality, the right to be informed about transfers to other facilities, the right to know about participation in medical research, and the right to examine healthcare facility rules, among others. The bill also specifies that patients cannot be denied care based on various personal characteristics, and they must be provided with a summarized medical bill within 30 days of discharge, with the option to request an itemized bill.

The bill introduces a new provision as the 19th right, which prohibits healthcare facilities from using a patient's photograph for office record keeping or any other unauthorized use. If a patient requests the removal of such a photograph, the healthcare facility must comply within 24 hours. Failure to adhere to this provision will result in a fine of $100 per violation. The bill also includes language that ensures no charges are made for furnishing health records when they are necessary for supporting appeals under the Social Security Act, claims under the Workers’ Compensation Act, or for veterans requiring medical records for benefits applications. The act is set to take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
7820: 23-17-19.1