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S 4874

Criminalizes acting as a runner or soliciting or employing a runner to procure patients or clients

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Pat Fahy and 1 co-sponsor

Bill S 4874 criminalizes soliciting or employing runners to procure patients or clients, protecting individuals from exploitation in healthcare and legal sectors.

REFERRED TO CODES
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · S 4874

Summary of Bill S 4874

Overview

Bill Number: S 4874
Title: Criminalizes acting as a runner or soliciting or employing a runner to procure patients or clients
Status: Referred to Codes
Introduced Date: February 13, 2025
Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

The primary aim of Bill S 4874 is to address and criminalize the practice of "running," which involves individuals soliciting or employing others to procure patients or clients for healthcare services or legal representation. This legislation seeks to enhance ethical standards within the healthcare and legal industries by prohibiting these practices, which can lead to exploitation and unethical behavior.

Key Provisions

  • Criminalization of Runners: The bill explicitly makes it illegal for individuals to act as runners or to solicit or employ runners for the purpose of procuring patients or clients.
  • Penalties: While specific penalties are not detailed in the provided information, the bill is expected to outline consequences for violations, which may include fines or imprisonment.
  • Regulatory Framework: The bill may establish a framework for enforcement and oversight to ensure compliance with the new regulations.

Affected Parties

  • Healthcare Providers: Physicians, clinics, and hospitals may be directly impacted as they will need to ensure that their patient acquisition practices comply with the new law.
  • Legal Professionals: Attorneys and law firms could also be affected, particularly those who may have previously engaged in practices involving runners.
  • Patients and Clients: The bill aims to protect patients and clients from potentially exploitative practices, ensuring that their rights and choices are respected.

Procedural Aspects

  • Legislative Process: The bill was introduced on February 13, 2025, and has been referred to the Codes Committee for further consideration.
  • Related Legislation: Bill S 4874 is related to several prior-session bills, including A 862, A 4597, A 9768, A 1901, A 4599, A 3159, S 3556, and A 7392 (a companion bill). These related bills may provide context or additional provisions regarding the regulation of patient solicitation practices.

Conclusion

Bill S 4874 represents a significant step towards regulating the practices of patient and client procurement in the healthcare and legal sectors. By criminalizing the act of running, the bill aims to uphold ethical standards and protect individuals from exploitation. As it moves through the legislative process, further details regarding penalties and enforcement mechanisms are anticipated.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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