Healthcare

passed · Rhode Island · House May 19, 2026

HR 8563: HOUSE RESOLUTION PROCLAIMING MAY 2026, TO BE "ALS AWARENESS MONTH" IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

This bill designates May 2026 as 'ALS Awareness Month' in Rhode Island to highlight Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, a progressive disease that affects muscle control and has no cure. The resolution aims to encourage state residents to learn about ALS and support those living with the condition, as well as researchers working toward a treatment. It directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to ALS United RI, the state's local chapter of the national ALS Association.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill designates ALS Awareness Month to promote education and support for a specific disease, aligning with the goal of improving patient awareness and care.85% confidence

Track

signed · Rhode Island · House Jun 22, 2026

HB 8595: AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- MEDICARE SUPPLEMENT INSURANCE POLICIES

This bill expands the ability for people to buy Medicare supplement insurance without being denied coverage based on their health history. It specifically helps individuals under 65 who qualify for Medicare due to disability or kidney disease, as well as those who have maintained continuous coverage since their initial enrollment period. The law requires insurers to offer these policies without medical underwriting or charging higher premiums due to preexisting conditions during specific enrollment windows. By removing these barriers, the bill aims to ensure broader access to supplemental health coverage for eligible Medicare beneficiaries.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill expands access to Medicare supplement insurance by removing medical underwriting and preexisting condition exclusions, directly strengthening patient rights and coverage.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Insurance Medicare

passed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 5, 2026

SB 3256: 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 protects public health data privacy, safeguarding patient rights and strengthening health information security.90% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill explicitly strengthens data privacy protections for public health information, aligning with the indicator of protecting data privacy.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Health Data Privacy

Track

passed · Rhode Island · House Apr 7, 2026

HR 8413: HOUSE RESOLUTION CELEBRATING APRIL OF 2026, AS "ORGAN DONATION MONTH" IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

This resolution officially designates April 2026 as Organ Donation Month in Rhode Island to raise awareness about the need for organ and tissue donors. It encourages residents to register as donors through the state's driver's license system or online, aiming to increase the number of people willing to donate life-saving parts. The measure directs the Secretary of State to share the resolution with relevant state and regional organizations to promote the observance.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill promotes organ donation awareness to save lives and improve access to life-saving transplants.90% confidence

Track

died · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 16, 2026

SB 3189: AN ACT RELATING TO COURTS AND CIVIL PROCEDURE -- PROCEDURE GENERALLY -- EVIDENCE

This bill proposes to repeal the collateral source rule specifically for medical malpractice cases. Currently, this rule allows defendants to introduce evidence showing that a patient has received or will receive benefits from sources like health insurance or workers' compensation, which can then be used to reduce the damages awarded by a jury. If passed, the law would no longer permit defendants to present this financial information to the jury, thereby preventing any reduction of the final damage award based on those external payments. The change would directly affect licensed physicians, hospitals, and other healthcare providers who currently rely on this rule during litigation.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareRemoving the collateral source rule prevents defendants from reducing damages based on insurance benefits, thereby strengthening patient compensation and protecting patient financial rights in medical malpractice cases.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Insurance

Track

passed · Rhode Island · Senate May 21, 2026

SR 3309: SENATE RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING MAY 2026 AS "NATIONAL WOMEN'S HEALTH MONTH" IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

This Senate resolution officially designates May 2026 as "National Women's Health Month" within the State of Rhode Island. The measure highlights the importance of proactive healthcare, early disease detection, and lifestyle habits for women of all ages. It directs the Secretary of State to send copies of the resolution to the Governor and the Department of Health to formalize the observance.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill designates a month to highlight women's health, promoting proactive care and early detection, which aligns with strengthening public health awareness.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Women's Health

Track

signed · Rhode Island · House Jun 22, 2026

HB 8582: AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- PHARMACY FREEDOM OF CHOICE--FAIR COMPETITION AND PRACTICES

This bill strengthens oversight of pharmacy benefits managers and pharmacy benefit management services in Rhode Island by requiring them to register with the Department of Business Regulation and file detailed public reports on their financial arrangements and corporate relationships. It mandates that these managers cannot stop pharmacists from telling patients about drug costs or alternative purchasing options, and it prohibits charging copayments that exceed the actual amount the pharmacy receives for dispensing a prescription. Additionally, the law requires a streamlined appeal process for pharmacies to resolve disputes over multi-source generic drug pricing within fifteen days. These changes aim to increase transparency and ensure fair competition in how prescription drug benefits are administered.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill strengthens oversight of pharmacy benefits managers and protects patient rights by allowing pharmacists to inform patients of drug costs and alternatives.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Prescription Drugs

passed · Rhode Island · House Apr 16, 2026

HR 8453: HOUSE RESOLUTION COMMEMORATING "NATIONAL INFERTILITY AWARENESS WEEK" ON APRIL 19-25, 2026, IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

This bill designates April 19-25, 2026, as National Infertility Awareness Week in Rhode Island to raise public understanding of infertility as a health condition. It directly affects individuals and families struggling with fertility issues, including those in the LGBTQI+ community, by aiming to reduce stigma and highlight the emotional and financial challenges they face. The resolution encourages participation in awareness activities and directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to the National Infertility Association.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill raises public awareness of infertility, reduces stigma, and highlights emotional/financial challenges, directly supporting patient understanding and mental health within healthcare.90% confidence

Track

passed · Rhode Island · House May 21, 2026

HR 8570: HOUSE RESOLUTION PROCLAIMING MAY 22, 2026, AS "RHODE ISLAND COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTER DAY" IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

This bill designates May 22, 2026, as "Rhode Island Community Health Center Day" to honor the state's community health centers. It directly affects eight specific organizations across Rhode Island that provide affordable medical, dental, and behavioral care to over 200,000 residents annually. The resolution lists these centers by name and directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies of the proclamation to each organization. By establishing this official day, the bill aims to recognize the economic and social contributions of these facilities without changing any laws or funding.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill honors community health centers providing affordable care, signaling support for accessible healthcare services.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Primary Care

Track

passed · Rhode Island · House May 26, 2026

HR 8585: HOUSE RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING MAY OF 2026 AS "MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH" IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

This bill designates May 2026 as Mental Health Awareness Month in Rhode Island to highlight the importance of emotional and psychological well-being. It encourages citizens, schools, and healthcare providers to increase awareness and provide age-appropriate mental health education. The resolution calls for efforts to reduce stigma and help residents live healthier lives by promoting mental health resources.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill encourages schools to provide mental health education and reduce stigma, directly enhancing student programs and well-being.75% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill designates Mental Health Awareness Month to promote mental health resources and reduce stigma, directly supporting mental health services.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Mental Health

Track