(a)  For the purposes of this section, “health care provider” means any physician as defined in § 5-37-1(12), hospital, clinic, health maintenance organization, or professional service corporation providing health care services and organized under chapter 5.1 of Title 7, or any officer, employee, or agent thereof acting in the course and scope of his employment.

Terms Used In Rhode Island General Laws 9-19-35

  • Contract: A legal written agreement that becomes binding when signed.
  • Corporation: A legal entity owned by the holders of shares of stock that have been issued, and that can own, receive, and transfer property, and carry on business in its own name.
  • Evidence: Information presented in testimony or in documents that is used to persuade the fact finder (judge or jury) to decide the case for one side or the other.
  • Tort: A civil wrong or breach of a duty to another person, as outlined by law. A very common tort is negligent operation of a motor vehicle that results in property damage and personal injury in an automobile accident.
  • Trial: A hearing that takes place when the defendant pleads "not guilty" and witnesses are required to come to court to give evidence.

(b)  The failure of a health care provider to bill a patient for services rendered shall not be construed as an admission of liability and shall not be admissible in evidence as to liability in any hearing or trial of an action of tort or breach of contract for malpractice, error, or mistake against a health care provider.

History of Section.
P.L. 1981, ch. 103, § 1; P.L. 1997, ch. 326, § 70.