§ 23-93-2 — § 23-93-2. Exemption for domestic medical tourism.

§ 23-93-2. Exemption for domestic medical tourism.

(a) Any healthcare facility located in the state of Rhode Island specializing in domestic medical tourism, and having more than fifty percent (50%) of its patients residing outside of the state; or, until July 1, 2015, any in-state hospital licensed under chapter 17 of title 23; or in-state healthcare facility under common ownership with an in-state hospital licensed under chapter 17 of title 23, shall be exempt from the provisions of chapter 15 of title 23; provided, however, that such healthcare facility must comply with all other applicable laws and regulations governing healthcare facilities. Any applicant not compliant shall have thirty (30) days to comply with this section and any applicable regulations governing this section.

(b) Any healthcare facility described in subsection (a) shall, on a biennial basis, certify to the department that more than fifty percent (50%) of its patients reside outside of the state.

(c) Any healthcare facility exempt under subsection (a) that fails to certify under subsection (b), or is otherwise found by the department to have not established that more than fifty percent (50%) of its patients currently reside outside of the state, shall be required to apply for a certificate of need during the next review cycle established by the health services council.

Legislative History

P.L. 2014, ch. 267, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 316, § 1.