Sen. Bridget Valverde

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 removes the expiration date set for the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact, which was scheduled to end on July 1, 2025. By repealing this sunset provision, the legislation ensures that the rules allowing doctors to practice in multiple states without obtaining separate licenses remain in effect indefinitely. The change directly impacts medical professionals who rely on the compact to work across state lines and the patients they serve. No new requirements or operational changes are introduced; the bill simply prevents an existing framework from automatically shutting down.

Allows victims of sexual assault to submit a medical forensic exam performed by a licensed health care provider in lieu of a police report in order to establish eligibility for funds under the State Crime Victim Compensation Program.

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.

Adopts the Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Interstate Compact and would establish a joint public agency known as the Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Compact commission to administer the provisions of the compact between the states.

Amends the conditions upon which a nurse would be exempt from certain licensing requirements to include eligibility to practice, before taking and receiving results of the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX).

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.