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History
- Referred to consumer protection
Full text
The text isn't available here yet. Check nysenate.gov.
Sponsor's memo
BILL NUMBER:S2244
Title of bill
An act to amend the general business law, in relation to charges for certain services rendered by a physician
Summary of provisions
Section 1 of the General Business Law is amended by adding a new section 338 which prohibits a physician from charging for any service whatsoever rendered during a period of seventy-two hours from the time such free service was rendered, except for those services specifically excluded in the advertisement offering the free services.
Justification
It is a commendable practice for physicians to offer free examinations to those individuals who may not otherwise receive a service. However, there have been instances in which many people, especially seniors, have been enticed into physician's offices through the advertisement of a free service. Unfortunately, some unscrupulous providers are taking advantage of the rapport and possible diagnosis that was established during the free exam by charging for related services. This is similar to the advertising gimmick of a "bait and switch" in which an individual is lured in with the promise of one product (a free exam) and then switched to another product (the follow-up service).
This legislation would require that a physician may not charge for any service related to that for which the free service was rendered during a period of seventy-two hours. Furthermore, if the free service does not apply to all services to be rendered, the advertisement must specify any associated or reasonably anticipated services which are not included. For example, free eye screening for services does not include charges for refraction, eyeglasses and contact lens fitting.
Fiscal implications
None to the state.
Effective date
This act shall take effect immediately.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.