Ensures public access to lead service lines to determine the existence of lead within the water connection. This act also ensures mitigation measures and replacement lines are consistent with the current version of 40 C.C.R. 141 Subpart I.
Allows animal control officers in the cities and towns to lawfully take charge of and provide adequate care to any animal found abandoned or neglected or hazardously accumulated and would increase penalties for malicious injury to or killing of animals.
Expands the existing law regarding collaborative practice agreements between pharmacists and physicians to allow other healthcare providers to enter into such agreements and removes the definition of “collaborative practice committee.”
Mandates the use of a soft-shell helmet cover that adds a padded, soft-shell layer to the outside of a traditional football helmet, for students participating in Rhode Island interscholastic league football.
Provides that the cost of maintaining and repairing or restoring an easement or right-of-way shall be shared by each owner of a benefited property and their costs shall be determined by and commensurate with the municipal appraisal of each property.
Maddy summaryHB 5537 extends legal immunity protections currently available to physicians and surgeons in mental health proceedings to advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) licensed in the state. The bill amends the Mental Health Law to explicitly include APRNs who meet licensing requirements, ensuring they cannot be sued for actions taken during mental health care under this law - except in cases of actual fraud or gross negligence. This change directly affects APRNs working in behavioral healthcare, developmental disabilities, and hospital mental health settings by aligning their liability protections with those of physicians. The policy change clarifies that APRNs cannot be held liable for patient rights issues (like discharge) unless the care involved serious misconduct or violated written medical orders.
Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a policy bill) passed by the Rhode Island House of Representatives. It formally celebrates the U.S. Army's 250th anniversary (marking its founding on June 14, 1775) and honors current and past service members. The resolution directs the Rhode Island Secretary of State to send a certified copy to the U.S. Army Secretary, Daniel P. Driscoll. It has no policy impact or funding changes - it is purely symbolic recognition.
Requires the executive office of health and human services to increase Medicaid payment rates for primary care services furnished by primary care providers to be commensurate with Medicare rates.
Maddy summaryHB 5052 changes the service requirement for admission to Rhode Island's Veterans' Home from 90 days to two years of honorable service. It specifically prioritizes veterans who served in declared or undeclared wars and earned campaign medals (as documented on their DD-214), placing them on a separate waiting list ahead of other eligible veterans. The bill requires the Veterans' Services Office to maintain two distinct waiting lists - one for "war veterans" and one for others - and prohibits admitting non-war veterans until the war veterans' list is exhausted. This policy directly affects veterans who previously qualified under the 90-day rule but now must meet the longer service standard to access the facility.
Exempts from taxation the real and tangible personal property of Amos House, provided it remains a qualified tax-exempt corporation pursuant to §501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
