N.Y. Public Health Law 238-E – Study of referrals by practitioners
§ 238-e. Study of referrals by practitioners. 1. The commissioner may conduct a study of the ownership of or financial interests in health care providers by referring practitioners. Such study shall investigate: (a) the types of such ownership arrangements and types of services offered under such arrangements; (b) the effect of such arrangements on the utilization of health or health related items and services; and (c) the effect of such arrangements on independent providers of similar services.
Terms Used In N.Y. Public Health Law 238-E
- Health care provider: shall mean a practitioner in an individual practice, group practice, partnership, professional corporation or other authorized form of association, a hospital or other health care institution issued an operating certificate pursuant to this chapter or the mental hygiene law, a certified home health agency or a licensed home care services agency, and any other purveyor of health or health related items or services including but not limited to a clinical laboratory, a physiological laboratory, a pharmacy, a purveyor of x-ray or imaging services, a purveyor of physical therapy services, a purveyor of health or health related supplies, appliances or equipment, or an ambulance service. See N.Y. Public Health Law 238
- Practitioner: shall mean a licensed or registered physician, dentist, podiatrist, chiropractor, nurse, midwife, physician assistant or specialist assistant, physical therapist, or optometrist. See N.Y. Public Health Law 238
2. For the purposes of the study authorized by this section, the commissioner is authorized to request and any health care provider or practitioner shall provide, such information regarding those matters which the commissioner is authorized to study pursuant to subdivision one of this section in such form as may be prescribed by the commissioner.
3. Patient and practitioner identifying information collected pursuant to this section shall be confidential and not subject to disclosure.