The bill amends Section 23-17-38.1 of the General Laws in Rhode Island, specifically addressing the licensing fees for hospitals. It introduces a new title, "Hospitals — Licensing fee," and removes previous provisions concerning the hospital licensing fee for the state fiscal year 2023. The new legal language establishes a tiered licensing fee structure for non-government owned hospitals for the state fiscal years 2024, 2025, and 2026, with fees determined by net patient-services revenue. The executive office of health and human services is responsible for classifying hospitals into these tiers and notifying them of their classifications.

Additionally, the bill outlines that any licensing fee revenue exceeding $90 million will be allocated to enhance Medicaid reimbursement for hospitals, contingent upon federal approval. It also extends the deadlines for hospitals to submit their revenue computations and licensing fee payments to August 1, 2025, and modifies fiscal year references to align with the new fee structure. The bill further clarifies definitions related to hospital classifications and revenue calculations, and it changes the effective date for certain licensing fees from July 1, 2023, to July 1, 2024, ensuring alignment with the new regulations. The act will take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
6095: 23-17-38.1