Sen. Linda Ujifusa

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Rhode Island's laws to require healthcare facilities to inform patients about their breast density using specific national standards after a mammogram. It mandates that reports sent to patients must include a standardized message explaining that dense tissue can make it harder to detect cancer and may suggest additional screening options like ultrasounds or MRIs. The law applies to all facilities performing mammograms and requires them to provide this information starting October 1, 2014, with the goal of encouraging patients to discuss their results with their doctors.

Specifies the requirements and procedures for licensing lactation counselors as well as the renewal, expiration, termination, refusal, revocation and suspension of licenses.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a Social Work Licensure Compact that allows licensed social workers to practice across multiple member states with a single license. It creates a commission to manage the system, which includes sharing information about licenses and disciplinary actions between states. The law aims to improve public access to services, reduce the need for multiple licenses, and support military families by enabling easier interstate practice. Additionally, the compact permits the use of telehealth to expand service availability while maintaining each state's authority to protect public safety.

Adopts a counseling compact for the interstate practice of licensed professional counselors by providing for the mutual recognition of other member state licenses governed and administrated by commission.

Creates the occupational therapy licensure compact that would allow licensed occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants to practice in all states that join the compact.

Prohibits healthcare entities from interfering with a patient's right to choose to obtain a clinician-administered drug from their provider or pharmacy of choice.

Requires the department of health to amend its rules and regulations that allow for DEA-registered pharmacies to transfer electronic prescriptions at a patient's request.

Eliminates prior authorization or step therapy requirement for prescriptions for any HIV prevention drug/prohibits the requirement of any copayment or the meeting of any deductible to obtain the prescription covered by the contract, plan, or policy.

Prohibits any agreement whereby an advanced practice registered nurse is restricted in the right to practice in a certain geographic area, assist or provide treatment or establish a professional relationship with any other employer.

Maddy summaryThis bill mandates the creation of a voluntary "Blue Envelope Program" for drivers with autism spectrum disorder in Rhode Island. The Department of Motor Vehicles must develop this initiative in partnership with law enforcement leaders and disability advocates to improve communication between police officers and these drivers during traffic stops. Participation in the program is entirely optional, and the DMV will look at successful models from other states when designing the system. The law is set to take effect on January 1, 2025.