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RI S2806

Bill

Status

Introduced

3/4/2026

Primary Sponsor

Pamela Lauria

Click for details

Origin

Senate

2026 Regular Session

AI Summary

  • Licensed physician assistants and certified nurse practitioners in independent practice must be reimbursed at the same rate as licensed physicians for the same services in the same geographic area

  • Applies to primary care and mental health services within the lawful scope of practice, including prescribing or dispensing drugs

  • Covers private health insurers, nonprofit hospital service corporations, nonprofit medical service corporations, and state Medicaid (beginning January 1, 2027)

  • Exempts federally qualified group practice HMOs and insurers that employ providers on non-fee-for-service compensation arrangements

  • Insurers are prohibited from reducing physician reimbursement rates to comply with the equal pay requirement

Legislative Description

Requires the state and private health insurers to reimburse claims for healthcare services provided by nurse practitioners and physician assistants at the same amount as the reimbursement paid to a physician performing the service in the area served.

Insurance

Last Action

Introduced, referred to Senate Finance

3/4/2026

Committee Referrals

Finance3/4/2026

Full Bill Text

No bill text available