Rhode Island General Laws Title 5. Businesses and Professions § 5-35.1-11. Freedom of choice for eye care

(a) Any contract providing for healthcare benefits that calls for the expenditure of private or public funds, for any purpose involving eye care that is within the scope of the practice of optometry, shall provide the recipients and/or beneficiaries the freedom to choose within the participating provider panel either an optometrist or physician to provide the eye care. This provision shall be applicable whether or not the contract is executed and/or delivered in or outside of the state, or for use within or outside of the state by or for any individuals who reside or are employed in the state.

(b) Where the contracts call for the expenditure of public or private funds, for any purpose involving expenditure of public or private funds, for any purpose involving eye care, there shall be no discrimination as to the rate of reimbursement for the health care, whether provided by a doctor of optometry or physician providing similar services.