Sen. Josh Miller

Maddy summaryThis bill requires hospitals to screen uninsured patients for eligibility for public health insurance programs and hospital financial assistance as soon as possible after they agree to the screening. The law mandates that hospitals document patient responses, provide referrals to free enrollment help if a patient qualifies for public coverage, and stop billing the patient for covered services once insurance is approved. Additionally, hospitals must post clear notices about financial aid availability and make application materials accessible in patient areas. The bill also authorizes a pilot program allowing hospitals to provide acute care services to patients in their private homes under specific conditions.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Department of Health to use up to $850,000 from specific immunization funds in fiscal year 2025 to support information lines and referral services for childhood and adult immunizations. The legislation requires the department to submit a report by March 1, 2025, detailing how these funds were used and offering recommendations for future support. While the bill also establishes separate accounts for pandemic medications and adult immunizations, its primary immediate action is the allocation of existing resources to maintain communication channels for healthcare providers and residents.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Rhode Island Nursing Home Workforce Standards Advisory Board to advise state officials on improving care quality and addressing wage disparities in nursing homes. The board would consist of thirteen members representing employers, workers, community organizations, and government agencies, who would meet to recommend minimum statewide standards for compensation, working conditions, and worker training. While the legislation outlines a process for developing these standards and sharing operational data, it does not mandate specific wage levels or enforce regulations directly. The bill was passed by the state legislature but was vetoed by the Governor.

Maddy summarySB 2820 updates the state's list of controlled substances by replacing the existing statutory schedules with the current version of the federal Code of Federal Regulations. This change ensures that the state's controlled substance lists automatically align with federal designations, allowing the Department of Health to add, reschedule, or remove substances based on federal actions within a 60-day window. The bill also clarifies the criteria the health director must consider when evaluating potential abuses and establishes specific registration requirements for manufacturers, distributors, and practitioners. By linking state law directly to federal regulations, the legislation streamlines the process for maintaining up-to-date controls over drugs and their precursors.

Enacts the Comprehensive PFAS Ban Act of 2024, prohibiting the intentional addition of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances of PFAS in products offered for sale or manufactured in the state as of January 1, 2027.

Maddy summarySB 2885 allows hybrid cannabis businesses in Rhode Island to advertise their products during a specific transitional period while they prepare for full legalization. The law requires these businesses to separate medical and adult-use cannabis in their inventory, storage, and sales areas, and to maintain strict tracking systems to distinguish between the two. It also mandates that medical patients continue to receive priority service and ensures that existing medical program rules remain in effect until new regulations are finalized. Once the transition is complete, the bill transfers regulatory authority from several state agencies to a newly established cannabis office.

Requires the chief resilience officer (CRO) and a resiliency office within the department of environmental management (DEM) be charged with the creation, maintenance and updating of the state's resiliency and community recovery program.

Establishes the behavioral health education, training, and coordination fund to receive the checkoff contributions from Rhode Island personal income tax returns for tax years ending on or after December 31, 2024.

Requires that developers of ground-mounted solar systems submit a plan for decommissioning to be held on file by the municipality and requires DEM, with the office of energy resources, make publicly available model decommissioning plans.

Relocates the chapter relating to licensing of massage therapists from the health and safety title to the businesses and professions title with multiple amendments.