Allows primary care practices to offer optional fees for non-covered services while requiring equal medical care for all patients and protecting access to medically necessary services regardless of ability to pay.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires healthcare entities and health plans to process provider credentialing applications within 30 calendar days for new applications and 10 business days for providers already credentialed with Medicare. It also mandates that minor demographic updates, such as address changes, be completed within 5 business days. The bill includes provisions for automated status updates every 15 days, written explanations for denials, and retroactive reimbursement if payers miss deadlines. Additionally, it establishes a conditional approval process for resident graduates and requires the health insurance commissioner to enforce timelines through quarterly reporting.
Provides that violations of § 11-37.1-10 relating to failing to register as a sex offender are subject to the duration and frequency of registrations pursuant to § 11-37.1-4.
Submits the state's 2026 capital development program relating to green bonds requesting the issuance of general obligation bonds totaling $60,000,000 for approval of the electorate at the general election to be held in November, 2026.
Creates and establishes the Health Care and Social Services Transaction Review and Significant Equity Investor Disclosure Act designed to enhance disclosure for material changes involving significant equity investors.
Permits healthcare professionals to diagnose and treat patients remotely with store-and-forward technology when provision of services in such manner is consistent with the standard of care.
Maddy summaryHB 7273 requires the state to join and implement the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact by July 1, 2026. This allows out-of-state doctors to more easily provide telemedicine services to patients within the state, expanding access to remote healthcare. The bill specifically enables patients to receive telemedicine care from licensed providers in other states through the compact. It also directs health agencies to create necessary rules for this process, directly affecting healthcare providers seeking multi-state practice and patients seeking remote medical care.
Maddy summaryHB 7274 allows physician assistants (PAs) to practice without needing a physician's direct supervision and permits them to receive Medicaid payments directly for services provided. The bill amends licensing rules to remove the requirement for written agreements with supervising physicians and clarifies that PAs can provide medical services within their scope without physician oversight. It also adds a new provision requiring Medicaid to pay PAs directly, rather than through a physician's billing, for services rendered. This affects PAs by expanding their practice autonomy and Medicaid patients by potentially increasing access to care from PAs. The changes take effect upon passage.
Maddy summaryThis House Resolution congratulates students and instructors from the Warwick Area and Chariho Career and Technical Centers for winning the 2026 Rhode Island ProStart High School Competition. The bill formally recognizes their achievements in culinary arts, foodservice management, and hospitality tourism categories and authorizes the Secretary of State to send certified copies of the resolution to the winning schools. It does not change any laws or policies but serves as an official acknowledgment of the teams' success in the state competition.
Exempts from the sales tax eligible school supplies, costing less than $50.00, purchased within one week prior to the commencement of the academic year.
