The proposed bill introduces the "Patient Brokering Act" as a new chapter in Title 6 of the General Laws, aimed at prohibiting the practice of patient brokering in the healthcare sector. It defines key terms such as "health care provider," "health care provider network entity," and "health insurer," establishing a framework for understanding the entities involved in healthcare services. The bill explicitly prohibits any person, including health care providers and facilities, from offering or receiving commissions, benefits, or other inducements to refer patients to healthcare providers or facilities, thereby addressing unethical practices that could compromise patient care.

Additionally, the bill outlines exceptions to the prohibition, including lawful payments within group practices, certain arrangements involving health insurers, and payments for professional consultation services. It establishes significant penalties for violations, categorizing them as felonies with fines ranging from $50,000 for violations involving fewer than ten patients to $500,000 for violations involving twenty or more patients. The Rhode Island Attorney General is empowered to enforce the provisions of the act, including seeking injunctive relief and recovering associated legal costs. The act is set to take effect upon passage, reinforcing the state's commitment to ethical practices in healthcare.