Healthcare (Healthcare Workforce)

passed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 9, 2026

SR 3346: SENATE RESOLUTION CREATING A SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION TO MAKE A COMPREHENSIVE STUDY OF RHODE ISLAND'S HEALTHCARE WORKFORCE RELATED TO EDUCATING AND RETAINING PRIMARY CARE PROVIDERS

This Senate resolution creates a fifteen-member special legislative commission to study how Rhode Island can better educate and retain primary care providers like doctors, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. The commission will include representatives from medical schools, professional associations, community health centers, and local nonprofits, and it will produce annual reports on access to care and the state's medical education resources. Members serve without pay and will submit their findings and recommendations directly to the President of the Senate. The bill addresses the current shortage of primary care providers in the state by establishing a formal group to investigate workforce challenges and propose solutions.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill creates a commission to study and improve education and retention of primary care providers, directly aiming to strengthen healthcare workforce access.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Healthcare Workforce Primary Care

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signed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 18, 2026

SB 3184: AN ACT RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS -- NURSES

This bill clarifies the rules for when registered nurses and nurse practitioners can administer deep sedation and general anesthesia during elective, non-emergency procedures. It explicitly prohibits these providers from giving certain strong anesthesia medications for scheduled procedures unless there is an immediate emergency where delaying care would endanger a patient's life or safety. The law maintains that nurses can still provide lighter levels of sedation and ensures that students in anesthesia training programs can participate under supervision. Additionally, the bill requires the state Department of Health to create specific regulations by 2027 and report on how the new rules impact patient access, hospital operations, and safety incidents by 2028.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill expands the scope of practice for nurses in emergency situations, improving patient access to critical care.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Healthcare Workforce

passed · Rhode Island · Senate May 21, 2026

SR 3057: SENATE RESOLUTION CREATING A SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION TO MAKE A COMPREHENSIVE STUDY OF RHODE ISLAND'S HEALTHCARE WORKFORCE RELATED TO EDUCATING AND RETAINING PRIMARY CARE PROVIDERS

Creates a 17-member Commission to study Rhode Island’s healthcare workforce related to educating and retaining primary care providers and who would report back annually to the President of the Senate.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill establishes commission to study healthcare workforce education and retention, aiming to improve access to primary care providers.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Healthcare Workforce Primary Care

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died · Rhode Island · Senate May 5, 2026

SB 2831: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- PRIMARY CARE TRAINING SITES PROGRAM

Appropriates two million seven hundred thousand dollars ($2,700,000) to fund the primary care training sites program to provide training for physicians, nurse practitioners and physician assistants within the department of health.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill appropriates $2.7M to fund primary care training sites program, directly increasing government spending for public health services95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill allocates $2.7M to fund primary care training sites for physicians and nurse practitioners, directly strengthening healthcare workforce development.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Healthcare Workforce Primary Care

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died · Rhode Island · Senate May 5, 2026

SB 2806: AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- ACCIDENT AND SICKNESS INSURANCE POLICIES -- EQUAL PAY FOR HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS

Requires the state and private health insurers to reimburse claims for healthcare services provided by nurse practitioners and physician assistants at the same amount as the reimbursement paid to a physician performing the service in the area served.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill mandates equal reimbursement for nurse practitioners and physician assistants, increasing healthcare funding and access to services.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Healthcare Workforce

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died · Rhode Island · House May 5, 2026

HB 8335: AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- MEDICAID AND COMMERCIAL PRIMARY CARE RATE ENHANCEMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY ACT

Expands the patient-centered medical home program to all Medicaid-accepting independent primary care practices and nurse practitioners and increases reimbursement rates to match Massachusetts and Connecticut rates.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill expands Medicaid primary care access and increases reimbursement rates, directly strengthening healthcare services and funding.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Healthcare Workforce Medicaid Primary Care

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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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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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died · Rhode Island · House Mar 3, 2026

HB 7536: AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- ACCIDENT AND SICKNESS INSURANCE POLICIES

HB 7536 requires health insurance companies in this state to cover specific pharmacist services that would otherwise be covered if provided by physicians, nurse practitioners, or physician assistants. It mandates coverage for services like medication management, immunizations, patient evaluations, and lab test ordering without requiring physician supervision or referrals. Health plans must include pharmacists in their medical provider networks (not just pharmacy drug networks) and cover these services both within and outside their networks when local providers aren't available. The law takes effect January 1, 2027, and expires January 1, 2031, unless extended by the legislature.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates insurance coverage for pharmacist services (medication management, immunizations) without physician referral, expanding patient access to care.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Healthcare Workforce Insurance Prescription Drugs

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died · Rhode Island · House Mar 24, 2026

HB 8135: AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- ACCIDENT AND SICKNESS INSURANCE POLICIES -- EQUAL PAY FOR HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS

Requires the state and private health insurers to reimburse claims for healthcare services provided by nurse practitioners and physician assistants at the same amount as the reimbursement paid to a physician performing the service in the area served.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareRequires equal reimbursement for NPs/PAs as physicians, expanding provider access and strengthening insurance coverage under healthcare policies.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Healthcare Workforce

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