Healthcare

signed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 10, 2026

SB 2891: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- OFFICE OF STATE MEDICAL EXAMINERS

Clarifies and updates language in the office of state medical examiners statute to address outdated or ambiguous language, outdated practices, outdated position titles/qualifications, and ensure compliance with federal HIPAA requirements.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill updates medical examiner statutes to ensure HIPAA compliance, protecting patient privacy rights and modernizing healthcare administration practices.75% confidence

passed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 4, 2026

SB 3062: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- HEALTH PROFESSIONAL LOAN REPAYMENT PROGRAM

This bill expands Rhode Island's existing health professional loan repayment program to include healthcare providers working in primary care settings, in addition to those serving medically underserved populations. The program offers financial assistance to repay student loans for eligible professionals such as physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants who commit to working in designated shortage areas or primary care facilities for at least two years. A state board will administer the program, determining eligible locations based on health professional shortage area designations and primary care provider needs, while reviewing applications and verifying applicant qualifications. The legislation aims to address staffing challenges in primary care by providing incentives to help recruit and retain healthcare workers in areas with limited access to medical services.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill expands loan repayment program to increase healthcare provider access in underserved areas, strengthening healthcare workforce and patient access.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill expands loan repayment program for healthcare workers, supporting employment in shortage areas and improving access to healthcare professionals.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Healthcare Workforce Primary Care

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passed · Rhode Island · House Mar 31, 2026

HR 8372: HOUSE RESOLUTION COMMEMORATING MARCH 31, 2026 AS “ALZHEIMER’S ASSOCIATION OF RHODE ISLAND ADVOCACY AND AWARENESS DAY” IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

This resolution designates March 31, 2026, as Alzheimer's Association of Rhode Island Advocacy and Awareness Day in the State of Rhode Island. The measure formally recognizes the importance of raising public awareness about Alzheimer's disease and supporting affected individuals and families. It directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to the Alzheimer's Association of Rhode Island. The bill does not create new laws or funding but serves as a symbolic acknowledgment of the organization's advocacy efforts.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill raises public awareness about Alzheimer's disease and supports affected individuals and families through symbolic recognition.75% confidence

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died · Rhode Island · House Apr 30, 2026

HB 8329: 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.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill expands patient access to experimental treatments for terminally ill patients, protecting their right to try unapproved therapies when standard options are exhausted.90% confidence

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died · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 14, 2026

SB 3023: AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- ACCIDENT AND SICKNESS INSURANCE POLICIES

Mandates health insurance coverage by eliminating out-of-pocket costs for lung cancer screenings in order to enable patients to get the critical care they need without delay.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill mandates health insurance coverage by eliminating out-of-pocket costs for lung cancer screenings, improving patient access to critical care.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Insurance

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passed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 5, 2026

SB 3022: AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- ACCIDENT AND SICKNESS INSURANCE POLICIES

Requires insurers to develop plans for coverage and access to nonnarcotic, nonopioid and nonmedication pain management for moderate to severe pain. It further restricts utilization review for nonopioid drugs.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill mandates pain management plans and restricts utilization review for nonopioid drugs, improving patient access to non-narcotic pain treatments.85% confidence

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died · Rhode Island · House Mar 19, 2026

HB 7936: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- PUBLIC HEALTH DATA PRIVACY AND PROTECTION ACT

Creates the public health data privacy and protection act to regulate the reporting of information relating to reportable disease data in the possession of the department of health.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill establishes data privacy protections for public health information, aligning with patient rights protection in healthcare.85% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill establishes data privacy protections for public health data, directly aligning with technology policy on data privacy regulations.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Health Consumer Data Protection Data Privacy

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died · Rhode Island · House May 19, 2026

HB 7631: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES -- MEDICARE ENROLLMENT

Requires the EOHHS to disregard an individual’s assets or resources, when determining an individual’s eligibility for any Medicare beneficiary program, contingent on federal approval.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareDisregards asset checks for Medicare eligibility, expanding access to coverage without federal approval requirement.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Medicare

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died · Rhode Island · House Apr 30, 2026

HB 7503: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- THE MEDICAL PRIMARY CARE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

HB 7503 establishes a scholarship program to address Rhode Island's primary care provider shortage by offering financial support to medical students, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. The program provides up to $70,000 annually for medical students (over four years) and $47,000 annually for nurse practitioners/physician assistants (over two years), contingent on recipients signing contracts to work in Rhode Island primary care after graduation. Scholarships are administered by the commissioner of postsecondary education in coordination with the Department of Health, targeting applicants with strong academic records and a commitment to serve Rhode Island's population. Recipients must maintain academic standing and fulfill their service obligation in the state to receive funding.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareFunds medical education to address primary care shortage, increasing provider access and strengthening workforce capacity in healthcare services.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Healthcare Workforce Primary Care

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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

Sub-Topics Long-Term Care

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