§ 27-41-22 - Statutory construction and relationship to other laws. - Rhode Island Statutes

SECTION 27-41-22

   § 27-41-22  Statutory construction andrelationship to other laws. – (a) Except as otherwise provided in this chapter provisions of chapters 19, 20,20.1, and 20.2 of this title shall not be applicable to any health maintenanceorganization granted a license under this chapter. This provision shall notapply to an insurer or hospital or medical service corporation licensed andregulated pursuant to the insurance laws or the hospital or medical servicecorporation laws of this state except with respect to its health maintenanceorganization activities authorized and regulated pursuant to this chapter.

   (b) Solicitation of enrollees by a health maintenanceorganization granted a license, or its representatives, shall not be construedto violate any provision of law relating to solicitation or advertising byhealth professionals.

   (c) Any health maintenance organization authorized under thischapter shall not be deemed to be practicing a profession, and may employ, orcontract with, any licensed health professional to deliver professionalservices.

   (d) No section of chapter 15 of title 23, the Health CareCertificate of Need Act, shall be abridged by this chapter.

   (e) All information relating to a subscriber's health carehistory, diagnosis, condition, treatment, or evaluation shall be consideredconfidential health care information and shall not be released or transferredexcept under the safeguards established by chapter 37.3 of title 5, theConfidentiality of Health Care Information Act.

   (f) The provisions of chapter 19.1 of this title, relating toextended medical benefits, shall be construed to apply to enrollees of healthmaintenance organizations.

   (g) Any health maintenance organization authorized under thischapter shall be deemed to be an insurer, for the purposes of compliance withchapter 44-17.