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.
Rep. Susan Donovan
Sponsored bills
Limits the facility's ability to charge rent and fees for a maximum of seven (7) days or until removal of the personal property from the room, whichever occurs first. A violation would constitute a deceptive trade practice.
Requires all lifeguards, and park and forest rangers, who work on a full time basis at any public beach or facility to be trained in administering opioid antagonists.
Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution designating June 2025 as "Portuguese American Heritage Month" in Rhode Island. It formally recognizes the cultural, economic, and social contributions of Portuguese Americans to the state, including their historical roles in industries like fishing and textiles, and their communities in cities such as Providence and Newport. The resolution requires the Secretary of State to send certified copies to the Governor, Portuguese officials, and the Rhode Island Day of Portugal nonprofit organization. As a symbolic gesture, it does not create new laws, funding, or obligations but aims to honor the community's legacy.
Maddy summaryHB 6369 allows the state Health Care Advocate to request a superior court appoint a temporary manager (receiver) for hospitals facing specific crises. It directly affects hospitals mismanaging assets, in severe financial distress, or operating in ways that risk patient safety or care quality. The bill requires the court to approve such a receiver if it helps manage the hospital, protects patients, or ensures compliance with hospital conversion laws. This provision streamlines the process by eliminating the need to prove irreparable harm, making it easier for the Advocate to intervene swiftly.
Maddy summaryHB 6368 prohibits insurance discrimination in Rhode Island health plans by expanding protections to cover race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation, gender identity, and pregnancy), age, disability, and other categories. It bans insurers from denying coverage, limiting benefits, or imposing extra costs for specific services like gender-affirming care or reproductive health based on these protected characteristics. The law requires coverage decisions to be based on medical necessity, not discrimination, and applies to all health-benefit plans offered by insurance companies, hospitals, and healthcare entities in the state. This directly affects both insurance consumers and healthcare providers who must comply with these non-discrimination standards.
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 summaryThis resolution symbolically declares June 3, 2025, as "Pharmacy Advocacy Day" in Rhode Island to recognize pharmacists' roles in healthcare. It does not create new laws or policies but encourages citizens, healthcare professionals, and organizations to participate in activities highlighting pharmacists' contributions to patient care and public health. The resolution specifically acknowledges pharmacists as accessible healthcare providers who support medication therapy and collaborate with other health teams. It has no direct regulatory impact on individuals or healthcare delivery.
Maddy summaryHB 5084 extends an existing 50-foot buffer zone prohibition around polling places to include early voting periods. The bill prevents political materials (posters, literature, buttons) from being distributed or displayed within 50 feet of polling locations during both early voting and election day. This directly affects voters, poll workers, and political campaigns by restricting where they can engage in political activity near voting sites. The change applies to all primary and election day voting, maintaining the same rules for early voting that already existed for election day. The bill does not alter voting procedures or eligibility but adjusts where political influence can occur near polling places.
Allows for a special RI license plate to raise awareness for colon cancer. The plate would be designed by the partnership to reduce cancer in RI. The fees for the plate would be divided equally between the general fund and the partnership not-for-profit.