Whereas, access to health care is a high priority for citizens of Maine; and

Whereas, there are currently pending agreements between health care practitioners that, as affected by this legislation, would ease access to health care; and

Whereas, in the judgment of the Legislature, these facts create an emergency within the meaning of the Constitution of Maine and require the following legislation as immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety; now, therefore,

Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows:

Sec. 1. 22 MRSA §2085, sub-§9 is enacted to read:

9.__Referrals to other practitioners permitted.__ Notwithstanding subsection 1, a health care practitioner may refer a patient to another office practice or group practice of health care practitioners even if the referring practitioner has an investment interest in that outside office practice or group practice.

Emergency clause. In view of the emergency cited in the preamble, this Act takes effect when approved.

SUMMARY

Current law prohibits a health care practitioner from referring a patient to another facility in which the practitioner holds an interest unless the practitioner will be personally responsible for the provision of care to that patient.

This bill allows the referral to another office or group of health care practitioners, regardless of whether the referring physician holds an investment interest in that office or group.