Sen. Bridget Valverde

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (SR 79) celebrating "Physician Anesthesiologists Week" in Rhode Island from January 26 to February 1, 2025. It formally recognizes physician anesthesiologists for their role in patient safety during surgeries, labor, pain management, and care for veterans, highlighting their extensive training and the "Anesthesia Care Team" model. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to the American Society of Anesthesiologists, with no new laws or policy changes enacted.

Removes the exemption from the state hotel tax for residences rented in their entirety on a hosting platform on or after January 1, 2026, for a period of thirty (30) nights or less.

Prohibits insurance companies from refusing to use after market parts that are greater than 48 months and less than 72 months from the date of manufacture, provided the repairer has written consent from the owner of the vehicle.

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.

Permits those other residents of a residential dwelling unit to extend the term of the rental agreement for a period not to exceed three (3) months after the death of the lessee.

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.

Increases the maximum post retirement employment earnings from eighteen thousand dollars ($18,000) to twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000) a year for certain retired educators.