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RI H8203
Resolution
Status
2/27/2026
Primary Sponsor
Lauren Carson
Click for details
AI Summary
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Requests that all future state funding to Brown University Health and affiliated entities—including grants, Medicaid payments, supplemental payments, rate enhancements, and capital distributions—be conditioned on maintaining the Newport Hospital Birthing Center
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Defines "maintain and operate" as continuous year-round inpatient labor and delivery services with 24/7 availability of obstetric physicians, certified nurse midwives, anesthesia services, nursing staff, and neonatal support
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Prohibits service reductions such as conversion to outpatient-only or triage-only services, routine patient diversion to other hospitals, or restrictions requiring planned deliveries to occur off-island
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Requires Brown University Health to certify compliance to EOHHS, the Department of Health, and legislative fiscal advisors prior to receiving funds, annually thereafter, and within 10 days of any change affecting compliance
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Noncompliance would trigger immediate cessation of all state fund distributions and potential recoupment of funds, with no waiver or emergency exception permitted unless explicitly authorized by the General Assembly
Legislative Description
HOUSE RESOLUTION REQUESTING THAT A CONDITION PRECEDENT BE PLACED ON ALL FUTURE STATE FUNDING OR GRANT ASSISTANCE TO BROWN UNIVERSITY HEALTH AND AFFILIATED ENTITIES TO ENSURE MAINTENANCE OF THE NEWPORT HOSPITAL BIRTHING CENTER (This resolution would condition the distribution of any state funds to Brown University Health on the continued operation of a birthing center in the city of Newport.)
Last Action
Introduced, referred to House Finance
2/27/2026