§ 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.