Prohibits a healthcare provider from requiring patients to provide electronic payment information to be kept on file as a condition to receiving treatment and makes it a violation a deceptive trade practice.

Rhode Island Bill Summary: Patient Payment Information Protection

This bill would make it illegal for healthcare providers in Rhode Island to require patients to provide electronic payment information — such as a credit card or bank account number stored on file — as a condition of receiving medical treatment. In other words, a doctor's office, clinic, or other healthcare provider could not tell a patient "you must give us your card on file before we will see you." Patients would still be able to voluntarily provide payment information, but providers could not make it a requirement for receiving care.

The bill also classifies this type of requirement as a deceptive trade practice, which means healthcare providers who violate the rule could face legal consequences under Rhode Island's existing consumer protection laws. This gives the rule some enforcement teeth, as deceptive trade practice violations can carry penalties and may allow affected patients to seek legal remedies.

This bill would affect anyone in Rhode Island who seeks medical care, as well as the healthcare providers and facilities that serve them. It is particularly relevant for patients who may be uncomfortable sharing sensitive financial information upfront, those who are uninsured or who pay out of pocket, and people who worry about unauthorized charges being made to stored payment methods.

Currently, the bill has been referred to the Senate Health and Human Services Committee and was recommended to be held for further study, meaning it has not yet advanced to a full vote. It is still in the early stages of the legislative process.