Repeals the older of the two existing chapters related to speech-language pathologists and audiologists and makes several amendments to reconcile the two statutes into one.
Expands the requirement that all high schools and middle schools, whether they are publicly or privately run to maintain on site a functional AED while establishing and implementing a cardiac emergency response plan in these schools.
Creates a ten member commission to recommend legislative proposals for blockchain and cryptocurrency, and submits an interim progress report by January 5, 2027, and a final report by January 5, 2028, and expires on February 5, 2028.
Maddy summarySB 2444 exempts scalp hair prosthetics or wigs necessary due to medical hair loss from state sales tax. This directly affects individuals with medical conditions requiring such prosthetics, making them more affordable. The bill amends the sales tax code to explicitly include "prosthetic devices" under tax-exempt medical items, aligning with existing exemptions for similar durable medical equipment. The change creates a clear policy update to reduce financial burden for this specific medical need.
Maddy summarySB 2010 requires health insurers in Rhode Island to disclose how they use artificial intelligence (AI) to manage claims and coverage decisions, particularly for denials of medically necessary care. Insurers must document AI-driven decisions for five years, report system details to regulators, and ensure licensed healthcare providers review and approve any AI-related denial of medically necessary care before finalizing it. The bill mandates transparency about AI models, training data, and performance metrics, while requiring annual reports to the governor and legislature on insurer AI usage. This directly affects health insurers, enrollees (policyholders), and healthcare providers involved in coverage decisions.
Requires insurers to develop plans for coverage and access to nonnarcotic, nonopioid and nonmedication pain management for moderate to severe pain. It further restricts utilization review for nonopioid drugs.
Amends the definition of "distributor" under the chapter relating to taxation--cigarette, other tobacco products, and electronic nicotine-delivery system products.
Caps delinquent tax interest rate at 12%. Prohibits audits beyond 3 years from date of tax filing, 7 years for fraudulent filings, and in no event beyond 10 years from date of filing or required filing date, whichever is later.
Creates the position of dementia services coordinator within the department of health to coordinate the departments' approach to Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia.
Authorizes the secretary of the executive office of health and human services (EOHHS) to increase resource eligibility limits for persons with long-term care needs who reside at home to $12,000 for single persons and $18,000 for couples.
