Rhode IslandH70022026 Regular SessionHouse

AN ACT RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS -- BOARD OF MEDICAL LICENSURE AND DISCIPLINE .

Sponsored By: Arthur J. Corvese (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

Doctors must bill insurers despite third-party claims

The law makes it unprofessional conduct for a physician or limited registrant to refuse to bill a health insurer only because a third party may be at fault. Workers’ compensation cases are excluded. The Board of Medical Licensure and Discipline can discipline clinicians who break this rule.

Insurers must pay claims fast with interest

Health plans must pay complete electronic claims in 30 days and paper claims in 40 days. They must publish what a complete claim is. If they pay late, they owe 12% yearly interest starting on day 31 for electronic or day 41 for paper, until paid. Plans cannot deny a claim just because a third party may be liable, except for workers’ compensation. If a claim is denied or pended, plans must send a written notice within 30 days listing all reasons and any extra info needed; resubmissions restart the same deadlines. Any contract term that cuts these rights is void. Limited exceptions apply, including court orders, fraud probes, claims filed more than 90 days after service (with a narrow impossibility exception), entities in rehabilitation, matters beyond the plan’s control, a director finding of 95% on‑time processing, or a director waiver up to 90 days for system conversions.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Arthur J. Corvese
Democratic • House

Cosponsors

Samuel A. Azzinaro
Democratic • House
Jon D. Brien
Independent • House
Thomas E. Noret
Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 64 • No: 0

House vote • 3/17/2026

MEDICAL LICENSURE & DISCIPLINE PASSAGE