Rhode Island 2026 Regular Session

Rhode Island House Bill H7109

Introduced
1/15/26  

Caption

Prohibits the practice of patient brokering and provides monetary penalties and enforcement by the office of the attorney general.

Impact

The enforcement of HB 7109 is expected to fortify existing regulations surrounding healthcare service referrals and ensure that patient welfare is prioritized over financial gain. By instituting substantial monetary penalties for violations, which could reach up to $500,000 for extensive violations, the act endeavors to deter practices that exploit patients. The implementation of these prohibitions is anticipated to enhance accountability among healthcare providers and reduce the occurrence of fraudulent or misleading referral arrangements that could lead to unnecessary or inappropriate healthcare services being offered.

Summary

House Bill 7109 is a legislative proposal introduced to combat the unethical practice of patient brokering within the healthcare industry in Rhode Island. The bill aims to amend Title 6 of the General Laws by adding a new chapter, specifically the Patient Brokering Act. This act will define patient brokering as an unfair sales practice and will explicitly prohibit health care providers, facilities, and associated entities from offering or receiving commissions, benefits, or other inducements for patient referrals. This initiative reflects a growing concern over the financial motives in patient placement, which could compromise the integrity of healthcare delivery.

Contention

Significant points of contention regarding HB 7109 may arise during the legislative process, particularly concerning the balance between incentivizing healthcare providers and preventing unethical conduct. Some stakeholders may argue that certain exceptions to the bill, such as those for established practices within a group or for insurance agents, may create loopholes that could allow unethical referral behaviors to persist. On the other hand, representatives advocating for tighter regulations may argue that the current healthcare market demands stricter measures to protect patients from predatory practices, emphasizing the importance of ethical standards in healthcare.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI H5107

Prohibits the practice of patient brokering and would provide monetary penalties and enforcement by the office of the attorney general.

RI S0052

Prohibits certain claim practices of health insurers and medical providers. The act would further require fulfillment of medical record requests within fourteen (14) days.

RI H5066

Prohibits certain claim practices of health insurers and medical providers. The act would further require fulfillment of medical record requests within fourteen (14) days.

RI S0309

Gives authority to the department of labor and training to enforce violations of the laws relating to corrosion prevention and mitigation work requirements. This act would also add civil monetary penalties for violations of those laws.

RI S0701

Allows advanced practice registered nurses, physician assistants, and physicians who are and are not licensed in Rhode Island to provide telemedicine services to patients who are in the state when those services are rendered.

RI S0288

Provides that, for the general officers of the state, no person could be elected to the same general office more than twice.

RI H5188

Gives authority to the department of labor and training to enforce violations of the laws relating to corrosion prevention and mitigation work requirements. It also adds civil monetary penalties for violations of those laws.

RI S0744

Gives authority to the department of labor and training to enforce violations of the laws relating to corrosion prevention and mitigation work requirements. It also adds civil monetary penalties for violations of those laws.

RI S0734

Prohibits sale and possession of assault weapons, as defined and would provide certain exemptions to include law enforcement officers and those individuals legally in possession of any such firearm at the time of passage of this act.

RI H5116

Directs the state board of pharmacy to annually identify up to fifteen prescription drugs with increased costs and provide the list to the attorney general to obtain reasons for the cost increases.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.