Each health care provider that refers a patient to another health care provider who is not a member of the same partnership, professional corporation or limited liability company formed to render professional services but is affiliated with the referring health care provider shall notify the patient, in writing, that the health care providers are affiliated. Such notice shall also (1) inform the patient that the patient is not required to see the provider to whom he or she is referred and that the patient has a right to seek care from the health care provider chosen by the patient, and (2) advise the patient to contact the patient's health carrier to obtain information regarding other in-network health care providers and estimated out-of-pocket costs for the referred service. A health care provider is not required to provide notice to a patient pursuant to this section if the health care provider otherwise provides substantially similar notice to patients pursuant to federal law. For purposes of this section, “affiliated” means a relationship between two or more health care providers that permits the health care providers to negotiate jointly or as a member of the same group of health care providers with third parties over rates for professional medical services.
(P.A. 15-146, S. 15; P.A. 16-95, S. 3.)
History: P.A. 16-95 amended Subdiv. (2) by replacing provision re providing patient with Internet web site and toll-free telephone number of health carrier with provision re advising patient to contact health carrier and by making a technical change, effective July 1, 2016.