The bill amends various sections of the General Laws to strengthen regulations on medical licensure, patient rights, and healthcare claims processing. It introduces new definitions and provisions regarding "unprofessional conduct" for medical practitioners, which includes actions such as refusing to submit medical bills solely based on the reason that the bill may arise from a motor vehicle accident or third-party claim, and failing to process requests for medical records or medical bills within fourteen days of a written request.

The bill mandates timely processing of claims, requiring healthcare entities to not deny claims for any medical bill based solely on the association with motor vehicle accidents or other third-party claims, with exceptions for workers' compensation claims. It also prohibits healthcare entities from making payments under a policyholder's first-party coverage without the express written consent of the policyholder.

Additionally, the bill establishes patient rights within healthcare facilities, ensuring respectful care, the right to refuse treatment, and privacy regarding medical records. Patients must receive a summarized medical bill within fourteen days of receipt of a written request. The bill outlines penalties for violations of these rights and emphasizes accountability among healthcare providers. It also defines key terms related to claims and healthcare entities, stipulating that any inconsistent contractual provisions will be void. The act will take effect upon passage, reinforcing the importance of ethical standards and timely processing in the healthcare system.

Statutes affected:
5066: 5-37-5.1, 23-17-19.1, 27-18-61, 27-19-52, 27-20-47, 27-41-64