Increases the number of members of the public health and health planning council from 25 to 26; requires that a representative of freestanding ambulatory surgery centers be selected as a member of the public health and health planning council.
Directs the commissioner of health to conduct a study on the rates of reimbursement made through the New York state Medicaid durable medical equipment, orthotics, prosthetics and supplies program for rate adequacy and patient access.
Requires the commissioner of health, in conjunction with the superintendent of financial services, to promulgate rules and regulations requiring that any increase in a bill from a hospital or health system or health care provider shall be sent to a patient no later than ninety days after the original bill was paid in full by such patient and good cause be shown for such increase, unless such increase is the result of any action by such patient.
Provides residential and day services to certain individuals with a developmental disability where such services are provided by a certified integrated residential community program.
Authorizes the attorney general to investigate and take action against in response to actions improvident or prejudicial to the interests of the public or occupants of nursing homes that are under the supervision of the commissioner of public health.
Provides parity to durable medical equipment providers by requiring Medicaid managed care organizations to reimburse such providers at no less than one hundred percent of the medical assistance durable medical equipment and complex rehabilitation technology fee schedule for the same service or item.
Requires Medicaid managed care plans to reimburse retail pharmacies in an amount equal to the fee-for-service rate; allows retail pharmacies the opportunity to participate in another provider's network under the medical assistance program; prohibits pharmacy benefit managers from limiting an individual's option to receive medications from non-mail order pharmacies.
Creates a ten year live kidney donor follow-up study which includes a one thousand dollars per year stipend for participants; provides two thousand dollars for all kidney donors for health-related expenses.
Establishes the category of "qualified group practice" for medical, dental and podiatric practices that comply with certain standards and authorizes such practices to operate a malpractice prevention program.