Provides that for purposes of all civil actions, the fair and reasonable charge for certain medical and dental services is the amount billed by the licensed healthcare provider.

Plain-English Summary

This bill deals with how medical and dental bills are valued in Rhode Island court cases. Currently, when someone is injured and sues for damages, courts may consider not just what a healthcare provider charged, but also what was actually paid (often a lower, negotiated amount through insurance). This bill would change that rule by stating that the "fair and reasonable" value of medical or dental services is simply whatever amount the licensed healthcare provider originally billed — regardless of what insurance actually paid or what discounts were applied.

This bill would primarily affect personal injury lawsuits, such as car accident cases or slip-and-fall claims. Under this approach, an injured person could seek compensation based on the full "sticker price" of their medical bills, even if their insurance company negotiated a much lower payment to the hospital or doctor. For example, if a hospital billed $10,000 but insurance only paid $3,000, the injured party could argue in court that their damages include the full $10,000.

The bill affects injured plaintiffs, defendants (like insurance companies or individuals being sued), healthcare providers, and the legal system broadly. Supporters of approaches like this often argue it ensures injured people are fully compensated, while critics sometimes argue it inflates damage awards beyond actual costs. The bill was introduced in the Rhode Island House and referred to the House Judiciary Committee, which has recommended holding it for further study rather than moving it forward immediately.