As used in 50-4-106 through 50-4-109, the following definitions apply:

1. (1) "Direct fee" means a fee charged by a health care provider to a patient or a patient's designee for health care services provided by, or to be provided by, the health care provider to the patient. The term includes a fee in any form, including but not limited to a:

   1. (a) monthly retainer;
   2. (b) membership fee;
   3. (c) subscription fee;
   4. (d) fee paid under a direct patient service agreement; or
   5. (e) fee for a service, visit, or episode of care.
2. (2) "Direct patient care" means a health care service provided by a health care provider to a patient in return for payment in accordance with a direct fee. The term includes services provided by means of telehealth as defined in 33-22-138.
3. (3) "Health care provider" means a person who is licensed, certified, or otherwise authorized by the laws of this state to provide health care in the ordinary course of business or practice of a profession.
4. (4) "Health care services" means any care, service, or procedure provided by a health care provider, including medical or psychological diagnosis, treatment, evaluation, advice, or other services that affect the structure or any function of the human body.

History: En. Sec. 1, Ch. 262, L. 2021.