Establishes Children's Catastrophic Illness in Children Relief Fund to provide finance assistance to families for medical expenses not covered by state or federal programs or insurance contract.
Requires the department of human services to provide childcare assistance to families, including those served through DCYF, who meet the requirements of a protective services category as defined in CFR 98.20 (a)(3)(ii).
Requires the EOHHS to amend the state Medicaid plan and secure sufficient state general revenue to increase Medicaid payment rates to an amount equal to one hundred thirty percent (130%) of Medicare rates for outpatient clinical pediatric services.
Maddy summaryThis resolution designates May 2025 as "National Speech-Language-Hearing Month" in Rhode Island to raise public awareness about communication disorders. It urges the Department of Human Services to conduct hearing screenings and the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to encourage schools and professionals to participate in awareness activities. The resolution is symbolic and does not create new laws or funding.
Maddy summarySB 621 amends the state's Mental Health Law to extend immunity from liability to advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs). This bill grants APRNs the same legal protections as physicians and surgeons when participating in mental health proceedings. Specifically, APRNs would not be held liable in court for their involvement, except in instances of actual fraud or gross, willful, or wanton negligence. This change directly affects APRNs by providing them with expanded legal immunity within the mental healthcare system.
Increases the income range up to fifty thousand dollars ($50,000) and tax credit up to eight hundred fifty dollars ($850), for elderly and disabled persons who own or rent their homes.
Maddy summarySB 110, known as "The Rhode Island Family Caregiver Tax Credit Act," establishes a state income tax credit for eligible Rhode Island resident taxpayers. The bill allows a credit of 50% of certain uncompensated expenses, up to a maximum of $1,000, incurred for the care and support of a qualifying family member. Eligible family members must be at least 65 years old or have a disability, require assistance with daily activities, and reside with the caregiver for at least six months. This credit, which cannot reduce tax liability below zero, is intended to help relieve the financial burden on family caregivers and applies to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2025.
Provides that exemptions to the prohibition of liquor licenses within two hundred feet (200') of schools or places of worship do not eliminate neighboring property owners’ remonstrance rights to object to the license.
Maddy summarySenate Bill 468 establishes a maximum price for certain prescription drugs in Rhode Island. It prohibits state agencies, health insurance plans, and participating ERISA plans (if they opt-in) from purchasing "referenced drugs" for a cost higher than a federally determined maximum fair price. Any savings generated from these price limitations must be used to reduce costs for consumers or plan members, and entities must report these savings annually to the insurance commissioner.
Maddy summarySB 670 establishes the Medical Primary Care Scholarship Program to help address the shortage of primary care providers in Rhode Island. This program offers scholarships to students pursuing careers as physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. Administered by the Department of Health, it provides up to $70,000 annually for medical students and $47,000 for nurse practitioner or physician assistant students. In exchange for this funding, recipients must agree to work in primary care in Rhode Island after completing their education and licensing. The program aims to award up to five new scholarships per academic year for each professional category.
