§ 238-E — Study of referrals by practitioners

§ 238-e. Study of referrals by practitioners. 1. The commissioner may\nconduct a study of the ownership of or financial interests in health\ncare providers by referring practitioners. Such study shall investigate:\n(a) the types of such ownership arrangements and types of services\noffered under such arrangements; (b) the effect of such arrangements on\nthe utilization of health or health related items and services; and (c)\nthe effect of such arrangements on independent providers of similar\nservices.\n 2. For the purposes of the study authorized by this section, the\ncommissioner is authorized to request and any health care provider or\npractitioner shall provide, such information regarding those matters\nwhich the commissioner is authorized to study pursuant to subdivision\none of this section in such form as may be prescribed by the\ncommissioner.\n 3. Patient and practitioner identifying information collected pursuant\nto this section shall be confidential and not subject to disclosure.\n