§ 23-17.14-15 - Charity care requirements.
SECTION 23-17.14-15
§ 23-17.14-15 Charity care requirements.– (a) All licensed hospitals shall, as a condition of initial and/or continuedlicensure:
(1) Meet the statewide community needs for the provision ofcharitable care;
(2) Meet standards for assurance of the continuance ofuncompensated case and community benefits;
(3) Not discourage persons who cannot afford to pay fromseeking essential medical services; and
(4) Not encourage persons who cannot afford to pay to seekessential medical services from other providers.
(b) The director shall on an annual basis review eachlicensed hospital's level of performance in providing charity care anduncompensated care.
(c) The director shall consider the appropriate amount ofcharity and uncompensated care necessary to provide safe and adequatetreatment, appropriate access and balanced health care delivery to theresidents of the state.
(d) Each licensed hospital shall provide on or before March1st of each calendar year a report in a form acceptable to the director, adetailed description with supporting documentation, evidence of compliance ofthis section including, but not limited to (1) cost of charity care, (2) baddebt, (3) contracted Medicaid shortfalls, and (4) any additional informationdemonstrating compliance with this section.
(e) If the department receives sufficient informationindicating that a licensed hospital is not in compliance with this section, thedirector shall hold a hearing upon ten (10) days notice to the licensedhospital and shall issue, in writing, findings and appropriate penalties as setforth in § 23-17.14-30.