Rhode Island General Laws
Chapter 23-17.14 - The Hospital Conversions Act
Section 23-17.14-19. - Limits to acquisitions — Community benefits requirements — Filings prohibited.

§ 23-17.14-19. Limits to acquisitions — Community benefits requirements — Filings prohibited.
(a) Notwithstanding any other provisions in this chapter, nothing herein shall be construed to prohibit a for-profit hospital, its subsidiaries or affiliates, from applying for and receiving approval of a conversion of more than one hospital in the same year, or any subsequent year, and each such application shall require review and approval from the attorney general and the department of health in accordance with the provisions of this chapter.
(b) In the event that a for-profit corporation applies for conversion of an additional hospital, all provisions of this chapter must be met. In addition to the review process and criteria set forth in this chapter, the department shall have the sole authority and discretion to determine:
(1) Whether the for-profit corporation provided community benefits as required or promised in connection with obtaining and holding a license or interest therein during the previous license period;
(2) Whether all terms and conditions of the prior license have been met, including but not limited to, the conditions in § 23-17.14-19(b) and § 23-17.14-15;
(3) Whether all federal, state and local laws, ordinances and regulations have been complied with relative to any prior license;
(4) Whether the for-profit corporation planned, implemented, monitored and reviewed a community benefit program during the prior license period;
(5) Whether the for-profit corporation maintained, enhanced or disrupted the essential medical services in the affected community or the state;
(6) Whether the for-profit corporation provided an appropriate amount of charity care necessary to maintain or enhance a safe and accessible healthcare delivery system in the affected community and the state; and
(7) Whether the for-profit corporation demonstrated a substantial linkage between the hospital and the affected community by providing one or more of the following benefits; uncompensated care, charity care, cash or in kind donations to community programs, education and training of professionals in community health issues, relevant research initiatives or essential but unprofitable medical services if needed in the affected community.
(c) The director may hold a public hearing to solicit input to assess the performance of a for-profit corporation or its affiliates or subsidiaries in providing community benefits in the affected community or the state.
History of Section.P.L. 1997, ch. 372, § 1; P.L. 2012, ch. 258, § 1; P.L. 2012, ch. 259, § 1.

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