Authorizes the operation of a diagnostic or treatment center within a retail business or employer health service space

1 Co-sponsor

• William J. Larkin Jr.

Title of bill

An act to amend the public health law, in relation to authorizing the establishment of limited service clinics

Purpose

To create standards for the establishment and operation of limited services clinics.

Summary of provisions

Section one amends § 2801-a of the Public Health Law by adding a new subdivision 17 authorizing the legal entities formed under the laws of New York to operate limited services clinics provided that they comply with all applicable requirements and demonstrate to the satisfaction of the Public Health and Health Planning Council (PHHPC) sufficient experience and expertise delivering high quality health care services. PHHPC is directed to adopt and amend rules and regulations to address any matter pertinent to the establishment and operation of limited services clinics. This section also clarifies that several provisions of 2801-a relating to corporations do not apply to limited services clinics. This section further provides that a limited services clinic shall be deemed to be a "health care provider" for the purposes of Title 2-D of Article 2 of the Public Health Law (healthcare provider referrals). A prescriber practicing in a limited services clinic shall not be deemed to be in the employ of a pharmacy or practicing in a hospital for purposed of § 6807(2) of the Education Law.

In addition, this section directs the Commissioner to promulgate regulations for limited service clinics, which may be different from the regulations applicable to diagnostic or treatment centers. These regulations must include provisions, among other things, that: require accreditation, limit services to be provided, prohibit services to patients 24 months or younger, require clinics to accept walk-in appointments and offer extended hours, require clinics to accept Medicaid, promote primary care and require utilization of electronic health records.

Section two provides the effective date.

Justification

Limited services clinics already exist in several locations throughout New York State. However, there is currently no statutory or regulatory scheme in place that specifically addresses these entities. This bill will ensure that all limited services clinics are created and operated according to set standards. By establishing these regulations, the state will be better able to monitor limited services clinics to make certain that they are providing safe, high quality health care services.

Legislative history

Similar to S.4069 of 2013-2014 S.3673-B of 2011-2012 S.8275 of 2010

Fiscal implications

None.

Effective date

This act shall take effect immediately.