Healthcare (Hospitals)

SB 2115 requires all Rhode Island hospitals to have a notary public available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This applies directly to hospitals and ensures patients can get advance healthcare directives, powers of attorney, and wills notarized during hospitalization, either in person or by a notary visiting the patient's room. The notary must verify signatures with valid ID and be accessible through the patient services department. The bill takes effect upon passage and does not change medical care standards, only hospital administrative procedures.

Prohibits the closure or significant reduction of services of a birthing center without notice, application, financial disclosure, public hearing, and approval by the department of health.

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.