N.Y. Public Health Law § 238-e: Study of referrals by practitioners

§ 238-e. Study of referrals by practitioners. 1. The commissioner may

conduct a study of the ownership of or financial interests in health

care providers by referring practitioners. Such study shall investigate:

(a) the types of such ownership arrangements and types of services

offered under such arrangements; (b) the effect of such arrangements on

the utilization of health or health related items and services; and (c)

the effect of such arrangements on independent providers of similar

services.

2. For the purposes of the study authorized by this section, the

commissioner is authorized to request and any health care provider or

practitioner shall provide, such information regarding those matters

which the commissioner is authorized to study pursuant to subdivision

one of this section in such form as may be prescribed by the

commissioner.

3. Patient and practitioner identifying information collected pursuant

to this section shall be confidential and not subject to disclosure.