State Codes and Statutes
Statutes > Rhode-island > Title-23 > Chapter-23-17-14 > 23-17-14-18SECTION 23-17.14-18
§ 23-17.14-18 Prior approval –Closings or significant reduction of medical services. – (a) No hospital emergency department or primary care services which existed forat least one year and which significantly serve uninsured or underinsuredindividuals shall be eliminated or significantly reduced without the priorapproval of the director in accordance with this section.
(b) Prior to the elimination or significant reduction of anemergency department or primary care services which existed for at least oneyear and which significantly serve uninsured or underinsured individuals, thehospital shall provide a written plan to the director which shall describe theimpact of the proposal on:
(1) Access to healthcare services for traditionallyunderserved populations;
(2) The delivery of healthcare services on the affectedcommunity; and
(3) Other licensed hospitals or healthcare providers in theaffected community or in the state.
(c) Notwithstanding any other provision in the general laws,the director shall have the sole authority to review all plans submitted underthis section and the director shall issue a decision within ninety (90) days orthe request shall be deemed approved. The director may if deemed appropriate,issue public notice and allow a written comment period within sixty (60) daysof receipt of the proposal.
