Healthcare

signed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 10, 2026

SB 2878: AN ACT RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS -- DENTISTS AND DENTAL HYGIENISTS

This bill allows dental hygienists to receive payment from insurance sources other than the dentist's own plan, including third-party payors like Medicare. It directly affects dental practices by expanding the types of insurance that can reimburse dental hygienists for their services. The key provision removes previous restrictions that limited reimbursement to specific insurance arrangements, enabling broader payment options for dental hygiene care. This change applies to all dental practices employing dental hygienists within the state where the bill is enacted.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill expands insurance reimbursement options for dental hygienists, improving patient access to care and strengthening healthcare service delivery.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Healthcare

signed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 10, 2026

SB 2870: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- LEAD POISONING PREVENTION ACT

Requires any licensed lab performing blood lead analyses of a child under 6 to be certified by the director and said laboratory must perform this test regardless of the child or child’s parent’s ability to pay and at no cost.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill mandates free lead poisoning testing for children under 6, improving public health access and protecting vulnerable populations from health risks.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Healthcare

passed · Rhode Island · House Jun 9, 2026

HR 8451: HOUSE RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT TO WORK WITH THE TOWN OF NEW SHOREHAM TO DEVELOP A REGULATORY FRAMEWORK TO REDUCE TICK-BORNE ILLNESS ON BLOCK ISLAND

This bill directs the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management to work with the Town of New Shoreham to create a plan for managing deer populations on Block Island to reduce tick-borne illnesses. The proposed framework would allow the town to apply for special permits to conduct deer management activities, such as licensed hunting or culling, which are currently restricted on the island. Additionally, the plan must include safety protocols, data collection on deer and tick populations, and public education efforts, with a final report due to state leaders within six months.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill aims to reduce tick-borne illnesses by managing deer populations, directly protecting public health and preventing disease spread.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Healthcare

Track

passed · Rhode Island · House Jun 9, 2026

HB 8545: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- RHODE ISLAND PROGRAM TO ADDRESS ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE

Amends law to include all licensed physician assistants with licensed physicians and nurses required, each license renewal period, to complete a minimum of 1 hour of instruction on the diagnosis treatment, and care of patients with cognitive impairments.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill mandates continuing education for healthcare providers on Alzheimer's care, strengthening professional competence and patient support.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Healthcare

Track

passed · Rhode Island · House Jun 9, 2026

HB 8568: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- RHODE ISLAND PROGRAM TO ADDRESS ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE

Amends the current law on Alzheimer’s care by enacting a specific list of protocols to be followed and those healthcare facilities subject to the law.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill establishes protocols for Alzheimer's care facilities, strengthening healthcare standards and patient protection.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Healthcare

Track

passed · Rhode Island · House Jun 9, 2026

HB 7928: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- ASSISTED LIVING RESIDENCE LICENSING ACT

Establishes, encourages and supports the establishment of family councils and resident councils in managed residential communities providing assisted living services.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareEstablishes resident councils in assisted living facilities to enhance oversight and resident involvement, supporting patient-centered care standards within healthcare services.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Healthcare

Track

passed · Rhode Island · House Jun 9, 2026

HB 7938: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- REGISTRATION OF NURSING ASSISTANTS -- QUALIFYING LANGUAGE

HB 7938 requires the state department of health to administer the licensing exam for certified nursing assistants in both English and Spanish. This directly affects nursing assistants seeking licensure, particularly Spanish-speaking applicants, by improving access to the exam. The bill mandates that the exam be offered in both languages without changing the content or requirements for passing. It takes effect upon passage and does not alter other provisions like fee structures or exemptions.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates bilingual licensing exams for nursing assistants, improving access for Spanish-speaking applicants and enhancing healthcare workforce diversity without altering requirements.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentMakes licensing exam accessible in Spanish, removing language barrier for nursing assistants seeking employment.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Healthcare

Track

signed · Rhode Island · House Apr 29, 2026

HB 7029: AN ACT RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS -- NURSES

Permits a nurse who has the appropriate knowledge, credentials and clinical competency, to provide home services foot care, which includes routine foot and nail care, as well as implementing a plan of care that includes hygiene and fingernails.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcarePermits certified nurses to provide at-home foot care, expanding patient access to routine services without restrictions or defunding.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Healthcare

signed · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 29, 2026

SB 2116: AN ACT RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS -- NURSES

Permits a nurse who has the appropriate knowledge, credentials and clinical competency, to provide home services foot care, which includes routine foot and nail care, as well as implementing a plan of care that includes hygiene and fingernails.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcarePermits certified foot care nurses to provide at-home routine foot care, expanding patient access to essential health services without restricting coverage.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Healthcare

signed · Rhode Island · House Feb 11, 2026

HB 7408: AN ACT RELATING TO MAKING REVISED APPROPRIATIONS IN SUPPORT OF FY 2026 RELATING TO ROGER WILLIAMS MEDICAL CENTER AND OUR LADY OF FATIMA HOSPITAL

HB 7408 authorizes Rhode Island to set aside up to $18 million in a debt service reserve fund to support financing for the sale of Roger Williams Medical Center and Our Lady of Fatima Hospital to CharterCARE Health of Rhode Island, Inc. The bill creates a financial backup fund to enhance the creditworthiness of bonds used to purchase the hospitals, ensuring the sale process can proceed without state debt obligations. This funding mechanism directly supports the transfer of ownership to CharterCARE while preserving hospital services and approximately 2,700 jobs. The state’s contribution is limited to the reserve fund, with no obligation to replenish it, and any remaining funds would revert to the state budget. The bill focuses on enabling the hospital sale through bond financing, not altering hospital operations or patient care.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAuthorizes $18M debt service reserve fund for hospital sale financing, directly allocating state budget funds to support transaction without increasing state debt obligations.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareAllocates $18M reserve fund to facilitate hospital sale to CharterCARE, ensuring continued healthcare services and operational stability for public hospitals.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Healthcare