Office of the Health Care Advocate

The Office of Health Care Advocate advocates for Rhode Islanders through the following duties that the Attorney General may direct: to appear as an amicus curiae in civil actions, to intervene in or request initiation of administrative action related to health care and health insurance, to investigate complaints to assure the delivery of quality health care, to educate the public, to engage in legislative advocacy, to initiate formal legal actions concerning health care and to advocate for changes to support quality and affordable health care. Many patients, family members and providers turn to the Office of Health Care Advocate to assist them.

The Health Care Advocate is appointed to or attends several health care-related boards and committees. The Health Care Advocate reviews proposed regulations and legislation. The Health Care Advocate assists consumers with various issues, including access to medical records, privacy questions and assistance with navigating the various agencies governing health care complaints.

The Office of the Health Care Advocate has played a significant role in the Landmark Medical Center and Rehabilitation Hospital of Rhode Island Special Masterships including attending numerous court appearances in order to protect the public interest. The Health Care Advocate currently leads the Hospital Conversion Team that is reviewing the proposed hospital conversion of Landmark Medical Center and the Rehabilitation Hospital of Rhode Island. The Health Care Advocate is also involved in the recent Westerly Hospital Special Mastership pursuant to the newly enacted expedited review hospital conversion process.

The Health Care Advocate fulfills the following duties as directed by the Attorney General:

• Appears as an amicus curiae in civil actions involving health care quality standards or issues;
• Intervenes in or requests initiation of administrative actions related to health care or health insurance by the state or any state agency;
• Reviews complaints and conducts investigations to assure quality health care delivery;
• Assists and cooperates with other state agencies in investigations with respect to inadequacies in health care or health insurance;
• Engages in public education, legislative advocacy, and institutes formal legal action to secure and insure compliance with state health and health insurance laws; and
• Advocates for changes necessary to support the goal of quality and affordable health care for all citizens of Rhode Island.

To Contact the Office of the Health Care Advocate please call 401-274-4400.

Hospital Conversions

Click here for a link to the Attorney General Hospital Conversions page.