AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- TERMINAL PATIENTS' RIGHT TO TRY ACT

This bill, known as the Terminal Patients' Right to Try Act, would allow terminally ill patients in Rhode Island to access unapproved drugs, biologics, or medical devices that have completed early clinical trials but are not yet FDA-approved. The law directly affects patients with life-threatening conditions who have exhausted standard treatment options, as well as healthcare providers, facilities, and drug manufacturers involved in their care. Key provisions include granting immunity from lawsuits to manufacturers and providers if they follow proper procedures and obtain informed consent, while also defining specific eligibility criteria such as requiring physician diagnosis and excluding those who can participate in standard clinical trials. The legislation aims to remove legal barriers to accessing experimental treatments while maintaining oversight through institutional review boards and informed consent requirements.