Health & Human Services

JOINT RESOLUTION CREATING A SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION TO STUDY SAFE STAFFING RATIOS IN HOSPITALS (Creates a 15-member joint commission to study and provide recommendations regarding safe staffing ratios in hospitals, and who would report back to the General Assembly by September 1, 2027, and expire on January 30, 2028.)

Requires approval by the Rhode Island commission the deaf and hard of hearing before any reduction in American Sign Language interpreter services in hospitals and other public service facilities.

Clarifies and updates language in the office of state medical examiners statute to address outdated or ambiguous language, outdated practices, outdated position titles/qualifications, and ensure compliance with federal HIPAA requirements.

Revises sections of the uniform controlled substances act to remove specific opioid dosage requirements and revise the uniform controlled substances act in accordance with current standards of professional practice.

Amends current law on interpreter services to mandate hospitals provide a certified, interpreter for every non-English speaker, unless there is no national or state certification for a specific language so that a qualified interpreter may be used.

Creates the public health data privacy and protection act to regulate the reporting of information relating to reportable disease data in the possession of the department of health.

Requires annual inspections of those assisted living residences which contain units licensed to treat residents with Alzheimer's disease and other dementias.

Hospital Conversions act amended to authorize AG and DOH to permit expedited review application for hospital insolvency proceedings. Sunsets in one year.

Establishes a procedure for a health insurer to reimburse a healthcare provider no less than sixty-five percent (65%) of each unpaid co-payment, co-insurance or deductible amount due, after reasonable collection efforts.

Prohibits health insurance providers from requiring preauthorization for in-network mental health or substance use disorder services.

Requires health insurers to comply with federal mental health parity laws, prevent discriminatory treatment limits, and ensures meaningful mental health and substance use coverage in all benefit classifications.

Provides that for treatment of mental health and substance use disorders, payors would rely upon criteria which reflect generally accepted standards of care when developing coverage.

Amends the provisions for insurance coverage of mental health, mental illness, and substance use disorders.

Requires that reimbursement rates for certified mobile response and stabilization services be equal to or greater than the prevailing integrated state Medicaid rate for mobile response and stabilizations services

Provides coverage and increases individual and group insurance rates of reimbursement for ambulance services.

Mandates health insurance coverage by eliminating out-of-pocket costs for lung cancer screenings in order to enable patients to get the critical care they need without delay.

Caps the total amount that a covered person is required to pay for a covered prescription inhaler, prescription device, or prescription equipment to twenty-five dollars ($25.00) per thirty (30) day supply.

Commencing January 1, 2027, mandates insurers provide health insurance coverage without cost-share requirements for vaccinations recommended by the DOH and mandates the coverage for the medical assistance program and managed care organizations.

Amends the current law on health insurance coverage for fertility diagnostic care, standard fertility preservation services, and fertility treatment and requires coverage for any medically necessary ovulation-enhancing drugs and medical services.

Requires health insurance providers to provide insurance coverage for pharmacists’ services.

Sets conditions for pharmacists to prescribe tobacco cessation drug therapies, including education approved by the state board of pharmacy.

Expands the existing law regarding collaborative practice agreements between pharmacists and physicians to allow other healthcare providers to enter into such agreements and removes the definition of “collaborative practice committee.”

Promotes transparency and accountability in the use of artificial intelligence by health insurers to manage coverage and claims.

Requires the EOHHS to disregard an individual’s assets or resources, when determining an individual’s eligibility for any Medicare beneficiary program, contingent on federal approval.

Authorizes pharmacists to order, perform and interpret CLIA-waived tests authorized by statewide protocol and prescribe medications, and permits coverage by all health insurance carriers.

Requires insurance companies to prove that a healthcare service or procedure is not medically necessary.

Requires the disclosure of the transfer of certain assets of healthcare facilities and provides penalties for failing to file healthcare facility ownership information.

Requires insurance companies to prove that a healthcare service or procedure is not medically necessary.

Increases continuing education requirements for physician assistants, removes restrictions of PAs to render charitable care and aid for school and youth programs or cardiac arrest and removes restrictive covenants as to ownership by a PA.

JOINT RESOLUTION AMENDING THE JOINT RESOLUTION CREATING A PERMANENT LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION ON CHILD CARE IN RHODE ISLAND (Amends the membership of the permanent legislative commission on child care with twenty-seven (27) members to ensure that the state has high quality and affordable childcare and early learning services network.)

Requires the examination for licensing of certified nursing assistants by the department of health to be administered in both English and Spanish.

Includes any costs paid by an enrollee or on behalf of the enrollee by a third party when calculating an enrollee’s overall contribution to any out-of-pocket maximum or cost sharing requirement under a health plan as of January 1, 2027.

Permits and legalize the sale of raw milk.

Requires prescription benefit managers to approve a specific medication prescribed by a doctor when supported by a notarized medical necessity letter and requires that any denial be reviewed and documented by a licensed medical expert.

Prohibits pharmacy benefits managers from refusing to provide coverage for a prescription drug chosen for a patient by the patient’s healthcare provider.

Requires a healthcare entity to submit written notice to the attorney general and the department of health of any material change transaction at least 180 days prior to that transaction.

Details each of those limited emergency circumstances where a registered nurse and advanced practice registered nurses, may safely administer sedation, such as critical life-saving or emergency situations where there is an imminent threat to life or limb.

Allows advanced practice registered nurses, physician assistants, and physicians who are and are not licensed in Rhode Island to provide telemedicine services to patients who are in the state when those services are rendered.

Establishes the Rhode Island Maternal Health Improvement and Equity Act of 2026, to establish permanent statewide support for maternal health and to implement the maternal health strategic plan improving maternal health care and access.

Commencing July 1, 2026, this act eliminates the provision of this section that requires new applicants for employment under this section to pay the expense for their criminal background checks.

Limits prior authorization requirements for rehabilitative and habilitative services. Also prohibits prior authorization for the first twelve (12) visits of a new episode of care and for ninety (90) days following a chronic pain diagnosis.

Permits a certified foot care nurse to provide certain at-home foot care, including routine foot and nail care including nail clipping. DOH determines fair and reasonable license and renewal fees for nurses providing services.

Require that routine childhood and adult immunization vaccine recommendations that are developed from evidence based, medically sound scientific research by the department of health.

Allows the office of health insurance commissioner (OHIC) as the state agency that has the authority to designate patient-centered medical home (PCMH) care to obtain maximal health outcomes.

Requires health insurance plans to cover services provided by licensed certified professional midwives. Insurers would be required to report utilization and cost data annually and certain limited benefit policies would be exempt.

Requires health insurance policies to cover licensed certified lactation counselor services for childbearing families. It would also prohibit requiring supervision or duplicate payments for services and mandates annual reporting.

Prohibits healthcare insurers from requiring or conducting a review for prescription medicine used to treat alcohol or opioid use disorder containing Methadone, Burenorphine, or Naltrexone, or approved to mitigate opioid withdrawal symptoms.

Prohibits health insurance companies or other payors from including in physician participation agreements any provisions that restrict or prevent a physician from charging patients reasonable administrative or operational fees to support overhead.

Requires that all cosmetics manufactured, sold, delivered, held or offered for sale contain a label that completely and accurately list all of their component ingredients.

Sets a clear and enforceable standard for reducing the presence of harmful metals in personal care products, prioritizing public health through testing, labeling, and the development of safer alternatives.

Creates the healthcare worker platform act that requires platforms offering healthcare shifts to register with the Rhode Island department of health while exempting them from being classified as nursing service agencies.

Prohibits insurance companies from paying a rate that is less than the approved Medicaid rate set by the executive office of health and human services.

Permits physician assistants to practice without a physician's direct supervision and receives direct payments from Medicaid.

Requires the state to implement the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact no later than July 1, 2026.

Provides for fair pharmacy reimbursement from a pharmacy benefit manager, and also provides anti-discrimination prohibitions in regard to non-affiliated pharmacies or pharmacists.

Directs the state board of pharmacy to annually identify up to fifteen prescription drugs with increased costs and provides the list to the attorney general to obtain reasons for the cost increases.

Provides that the trapping and subsequent release of any unowned feral or free roaming cat for the purpose of spaying or neutering of the cat would not be considered abandonment.

Provides an insurer would not impose prior authorization requirements for any service ordered by an in-network primary care provider.

Adds several consumer protections to existing Medicare Supplement law.

Provides an insurer would not impose prior authorization requirements for any service ordered by an in-network primary care provider.

Requires the department of health to incorporate information about dementia risk factors and reduction into public education and healthcare provider education materials.

Grants the director of the department of health the authority to approve or deny any applications for professional licensure pending before certain boards of licensure that have been unable to establish a quorum for 30 business days.

Amends current law so that initial contraceptive prescriptions would no longer be limited to a 3-month supply.

Mandates cosmetic medical procedures be performed by a physician, PA, APRN, or delegated to a qualified non-physician, non-PA or non-APRN under the supervision of a physician, physician assistant, or advanced practice registered nurse.

Requires coverage for acute mental health crisis mobile response and stabilization services to eligible individuals enrolled as plan beneficiaries.

Requires coverage for acute mental health crisis mobile response and stabilization services to eligible individuals enrolled as plan beneficiaries.

Prohibits any health insurer, pharmacy benefit manager, manufacturer or other third-party payor from discriminating against any 340B entity participating in a drug discount program.

Allows a pharmacist to dispense a one-time refill for certain medications for continuation of therapy to patients under certain circumstances.

Recognizes the program run by the Rhode Island Medical Society or comparable program for physicians, physician assistants, dentists, and podiatrists, to address burnout, substance abuse, and mental and physical health issues.

Standardizes successor appointment language for various boards and adds language providing that a quorum be a majority of appointed members and the language applies across several healthcare professional boards that currently lack this language.

Permits physical therapists to continue to order diagnostic imaging as an authorized practice of physical therapy beyond December 31, 2025.

Revises sections of the uniform controlled substances act to remove specific opioid dosage requirements, revises the uniform controlled substances act in accordance with current standards of professional practice and would repeal chapter 37.4 of title 5.

Makes a series of amendments to several statutes regarding businesses and professions to provide clarity or align with new federal requirements.

Details each of those limited emergency circumstances where a registered nurse and advanced practice registered nurses, may safely administer sedation, such as critical life-saving or emergency situations where there is an imminent threat to life or limb.

Permits a certified foot care nurse or a certified foot care specialist, to provide certain at-home foot care, including routine foot and nail care including nail clipping.

Requires that an individual's caregiver be present when healthcare decisions are discussed with the hospice team. It would also prevent a denial of home hospice care because of age or income.

Creates the healthcare worker platform act that requires platforms offering healthcare shifts to register with the Rhode Island department of health by June 1, 2026, while exempting them from being classified as nursing service agencies.

Limits the facility's ability to charge rent and fees for a maximum of seven (7) days or until removal of the personal property from the room, whichever occurs first. A violation would constitute a deceptive trade practice.

Removes the sunset provision of the four (4) year pilot program to prevent drug overdoses through the establishment of harm reduction centers and creates a permanent program for harm reduction centers.

Requires public or private golf courses to have an automated external defibrillator on the premises.

Mandates all insurance contracts, plans or policies provide insurance coverage for the expense of diagnosing and treating infertility, for women between the ages of 25 and 42 years including preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) in conjunction with IVF.

Prohibits the state, participating ERISA, or any health plan from purchasing referenced drugs for a cost higher than the referenced rate.

Allows a clinical laboratory, that is incorporated in the State of Rhode Island, to analyze blood samples, from children under the age of six (6) years, for blood lead levels.

Prohibits pharmacy benefit managers from conducting or participate in spread pricing within the state.

Requires the secretary of the executive office of health and human services to monitor and mandate changes to the price-setting practices of pharmacy benefit managers to prohibit the spread pricing payment model.

Provides that statements by a health care provider regarding the unanticipated outcome of a patient's medical care and treatment shall be inadmissible as evidence of an admission of liability or as evidence of an admission.

Establishes the Healthy Kids Act whereby restaurants would be required to offer at least two (2) healthy versions of children's meals, or twenty-five percent (25%) of the children's meals on its menu, whichever is greater.

Requires the DOH and the EOHHS to collaborate with community health centers to establish new programs designed to attract federal funds, with a focus on the utilization of Teaching Health Center Graduate Medical Education programs.

Makes several changes to the licensing and disciplinary process of the board of nursing.

Allows for the licensing of certified surgical first assistants to assist in surgeries through the department of health and a seven (7) member board of licensure.

Requires insurance coverage for all community health workers' services to include health and promotion coaching, health education and training, health system navigation and resource coordination services, care planning and follow-up care recommendations.

Provides that individuals enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B guaranteed right to enroll in standardized plans.

Adds to the powers and duties of the OHIC the undertaking of analyses, reports, studies, and recommendations with respect to reimbursement and financing for the provision of primary care services to Rhode Islanders.

Requires each healthcare entity/network plan to compile/report to health insurance commissioner a summary of how the healthcare entity/network plan requires its contracted providers to submit claims for in-network outpatient behavioral health services.

Requires insurance companies to prove that a healthcare service or procedure is not medically necessary.

Prohibits health insurance plans from requiring prior authorization for a new episode of rehabilitative care for twelve visits, or from requiring prior authorization for rehabilitative care for chronic pain for ninety days.

Prohibits insurance companies from paying a rate that is less than the approved Medicaid rate set by the executive office of health and human services.

Includes the definition of "primary care services" and requires that all biennial reports shall include a review and recommendation of rates for primary care services on and after September 1, 2025.

Limits the use by insurers of step therapy, a protocol that establishes a specific sequence in which prescription drugs for a specified medical condition are covered by an insurer, by allowing medical providers to request step therapy exceptions.

Allows continuing care providers to provide care in an individual’s home, subject to the same disclosures and requirements as continuing care provided in a facility.

Repeals the certificate of need process statutes which are used by the department of health to determine the need for new health care equipment and new institutional health services.

Creates the nursing home workforce standards board act to establish and enforce industry-wide quality of care standards in nursing homes.

Establishes, encourages and supports the establishment of family councils and resident councils in managed residential communities providing assisted living services.

Caps amount payable for 30 day supply of equipment/supplies for insulin administration/glucose monitoring at $25 or equipment designed to last more than 30 days with no deductible commencing January 1, 2026.

Prohibits any person mandating a COVID-19 vaccination without providing individual exemptions that allow a person to opt out of such mandate.

Requires every individual or group health insurance plan on or after January 1, 2026, that provides benefits to reimburse child service providers for therapy services offered through EOHHS certified Kids Connect/Therapeutic Services.

Allows applicants for employment in programs operated by the department involving routine contact with patients, residents, or clients without the presence of other employees to apply to a qualified vendor for a national criminal records check.

Prohibits an insurance company from imposing any cost-sharing requirements for any diagnostic or supplemental breast examinations.

Amends the definition of the ”practice of pharmacy” to include the administration of immunizations vaccines for persons three years of age and older.

Requires health insurance policies to cover licensed certified lactation counselor services for childbearing families. It also prohibits requiring supervision or duplicate payments for services and mandates annual reporting.

Provides for autologous blood donations.

Provides that public health advertisements be prohibited from stating that there is a safe way to take illegal drugs.

Amends the current law on health insurance coverage for fertility diagnostic care, standard fertility preservation services, and fertility treatment and requires coverage for any medically necessary ovulation-enhancing drugs and medical services.

Prohibits the state, participating ERISA, or any health plan from purchasing referenced drugs for a cost higher than the referenced rate.

RELATED TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- THE MANDATORY CARRYING OF EPINEPHRINE AUTOINJECTORS BY POLICE OFFICERS ACT

Requires the secretary of the executive office of health and human services to monitor and mandate changes to the price-setting practices of pharmacy benefit managers to prohibit the spread pricing payment model.

Provides certain controls over prescription drug costs by imposing transparency, oversight and accountability requirements on commercial insurers and their pharmacy benefit managers.

Requires pharmacy benefit managers to reimburse pharmacist no less than national drug acquisition costs plus fee.

Directs the state board of pharmacy to annually identify up to fifteen prescription drugs with increased costs and provide the list to the attorney general to obtain reasons for the cost increases.

Mandates health insurance coverage for FDA approved contraceptive drug, device or therapeutic equivalent.

HOUSE RESOLUTION URGING THE RHODE ISLAND FEDERAL DELEGATION TO DEMAND REVERSAL OF ACTIONS HARMING CRITICAL HEALTH AND SAFETY PROGRAMS

Creates the position of dementia services coordinator within the department of health to coordinate the departments approach to Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia.

Requires all state licensed healthcare facilities to convert the powering of their operations from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources. DOH promulgates rules and regulations to implement the requirements.

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Provides that any law or regulation which prohibits or protects a person from exposure to second-hand smoke would include second-hand marijuana smoke or vapor.

Provides a procedure requiring that healthcare facilities maintain a list with all standard charges for all Medical facility items.

Establishes the procedures and requirements for the licensing of youth camps.

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

Repeals the July 1, 2025, sunset provision of the interstate medical licensure act.

JOINT RESOLUTION RESPECTFULLY REQUESTING HEALTHSOURCE RI (HSRI) TO CONVENE A WORKING GROUP TO STUDY THE ISSUE OF AFFORDABILITY OF COVERAGE IN THE RHODE ISLAND HEALTH INSURANCE INDIVIDUAL MARKET AND TO PROVIDE RECOMMENDATIONS ON THE DESIGN OF A STATE-BASED PROGRAM TO PROVIDE AFFORDABILITY ASSISTANCE TO RHODE ISLANDERS ENROLLED IN PLANS THROUGH THE HSRI EXCHANGE

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).

Establishes a second avenue of qualification as an optician, to include successfully completing an apprenticeship program.

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.

Allows the healthcare facility to conduct human-subject research on patients subject to 21 C.F.R. Pt 50 and/or 45 C.F.R. Pt 46 (relating to the informed consent of human subjects).

Requires the department of health to amend its rules and regulations that allow for DEA-registered pharmacies to transfer electronic prescriptions at a patient's request.

Allows electronic monitoring of residents or private living unit in nursing or assisted living facility with certain restrictions.

Prohibits any agreement whereby an advanced practice registered nurse is restricted in the right to practice in a certain geographic area, assist or provide treatment or establish a professional relationship with any other employer.

Includes among the responsibilities of the office of state medical examiners, to provide a multidisciplinary team review of suicide deaths with a goal of reducing its prevalence by examining trends in demographic, geographic and community risk factors.

Eliminates prior authorization or step therapy requirement for prescriptions for any HIV prevention drug/prohibits the requirement of any copayment or the meeting of any deductible to obtain the prescription covered by the contract, plan, or policy.

Repeals the authority of the health insurance commissioner to enforce any act of Congress/decision of federal court invalidating or repealing the prohibition of annual lifetime limits on health insurance in this state.

Provides for procedures for the burial of unclaimed remains.

Requires the DMV to create a blue envelope program for drivers with autism.

Establishes a rare disease advisory council within the department of health and provides guidance and recommendations to educate health care providers and the citizens of the state.

Allows a qualified vendor to apply to the office of attorney general for a criminal records check.

Provides that all home health care patients receive home health care services regardless of their permanent or temporary residence.

Requires the dept of behavioral healthcare/developmental disabilities/hospitals to coordinate with the DOH to propose revisions to chapter 1.10 and 10.1 of title 23, including updates and revisions of statutory language and evidence-based best practices.

Establishes the Wholesale Prescription Drug Importation Program for the importation of wholesale prescription drugs from Canada to provide savings to Rhode Island consumers.

Requires the department of children, youth and families (DCYF) to conduct periodic comprehensive needs assessments to determine whether the department's programs and services meet the needs of children and families.

Requires coverage for acute mental health crisis mobile response and stabilization services to eligible individuals enrolled as plan beneficiaries.

Prohibits the state, participating ERISA or any health plan from purchasing referenced drugs for a cost higher than the referenced rate.

Creates the Rhode Island drug cost review commission.

Creates an Olmstead Plan for people vulnerable to unnecessary institutionalization to update a continuum of care to receive services and supports in the least restrictive environment.

JOINT RESOLUTION CREATING A SPECIAL JOINT LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION TO STUDY, PROVIDE RECOMMENDATIONS, AND OVERSEE IMPLEMENTATION OF REQUIREMENTS FOR STATE DEPARTMENTS AND VENDORS TO ADOPT GOOD FOOD PURCHASING STANDARDS IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND (Creates a 17 member commission to study, provide recommendations and oversee implementing Good Food Purchasing Standards, and make an interim report to EOHHS by December 15, 2024, a final report by February 15, 2025, and expire on February 15, 2026.)

Establishes that the elective and/or independent administration of propofol and all FDA classified general anesthetics, for any surgery or procedure is not within the "scope of practice" of nurse practitioners as defined in § 5-34-3.

Provides a special enrollment period for applicants for Medicare Part B. Also prohibits state insurance carriers from denying/imposing conditions on new enrollees or discriminate on price based upon health status/claims experience/preexisting conditions.

Mandates health insurance coverage to include transportation for emergency services by ambulance or rescue.

Creates the Rhode Island drug cost review commission.

Includes immediate family members and related parties to be included in the definitions applicable to the chapter and require that information for nursing facility applicants for initial licensure or change of ownership.

HOUSE RESOLUTION EXTENDING THE REPORTING AND EXPIRATIONS DATES AND AMENDING THE MEMBERSHIP, FINDINGS, AND PURPOSE OF THE SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION TO STUDY AND PROVIDE RECOMMENDATIONS PERTAINING TO SERVICES AND COORDINATION OF STATE PROGRAMS RELATING TO OLDER ADULT RHODE ISLANDERS (This resolution amends, increases membership and extends reporting and expiration dates of commission relating to older adults, from May 7, 2024, to November 30, 2025, and expires January 31, 2026.)

Mandates insurance policies, provides coverage to diagnose & treat infertility for women between 25 & 42 years, including pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) in conjunction with in vitro fertilization (IVF).

Establishes, encourages and supports the establishment of family councils in managed residential communities providing assisted living services.

Provides that dental services rendered to patients would be reimbursed by standards governed by the general laws of Rhode Island.

Creates a workload study for social caseworkers II in the division of developmental disabilities within the department of behavioral healthcare, developmental disabilities and hospitals (BHDDH).

Prohibits gender transition procedures for all minors, uses of public funds for that purpose, discipline for health care providers for providing same, a thirty (30) year statute of limitation, right to a civil action for damages.

Requires person collecting blood for transfusions to require donor disclose whether they had COVID/messenger ribonucleic acid vaccine, requires blood be labeled and permits recipient to request certain blood.

Provides that licensed health care facilities be prohibited from using a patients photograph for any office use.

Permits licensed healthcare facilities to suspend visits of those person who are verbally or physically berating staff or providing non-prescribed or illegal medications to any patient. Suspensions would be lifted in cases of end of life scenarios.

Repeals a 2021 law that mandated minimum staffing levels and standards for quality care for nursing homes and their residents with violations subject to monetary penalties.

Provides that health insurance plans would provide coverage the use of artificial intelligence technology for analysis of breast tissue diagnostic imaging.

Creates the "Reproductive Tissue Safety and Storage Act of 2024."

Mandates all insurance contracts, plans or policies provide insurance coverage for the expense of testing and treating infertility, including preimplantation genetic testing (PGT), in conjunction with in vitro fertilization (IVF).

Outlines the insurance coverage standards, protocols and guidelines for medically necessary treatment of individuals with mental health or substance abuse use disorders.

Requires coverage for acute mental health crisis mobile response and stabilization services to any individual enrolled as a plan beneficiary.

Limits the use by insurers of step therapy, a protocol that establishes a specific sequence in which prescription drugs for a specified medical condition are covered by an insurer, by allowing medical providers to request step therapy exceptions.

Prohibits an insurance company from imposing any cost-sharing requirements for any diagnostic or supplemental breast examinations.

Caps the total amount that a covered person is required to pay for a covered prescription asthma inhaler to twenty-five dollars ($25.00) per thirty (30) day supply.

Bans the sale of cosmetics developed/manufactured using animal testing. A violation would be a $1,000 fine for each offense.

Creates the Rhode Island Individual Market Affordability Act of 2024 to help reduce out-of-pocket costs for low- and moderate-income consumers enrolled in the health insurance exchanges.

Removes the sunset provision of all statutory law requiring coverage for the treatment of pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infections and pediatric acute onset neuropsychiatric syndrome.

Requires DCYF to place a locked suggestion box in its facilities and create a digitally secured suggestion box into which residents may place comments and/or concerns to be addressed by the Rhode Island Child Advocate.

Requires the DOH and the EOHHS to collaborate with community health centers to establish new programs designed to attract federal funds, with a focus on the utilization of Teaching Health Center Graduate Medical Education programs.

Requires a report to be produced that focuses on prescription drug prior authorizations by January 1, 2025.

Prohibits the state, participating ERISA or any health plan from purchasing referenced drugs for a cost higher than the referenced rate.

Establishes the Wholesale Prescription Drug Importation Program for the importation of wholesale prescription drugs from Canada to provide savings to Rhode Island consumers.

Regulates price increases for prescription drugs.

Requires the state to implement the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact no later than July 1, 2024, and restores access to telemedicine for all residents and allows treatment by out-of-state providers.

Requires health insurance policies to provide coverage for the licensed practice of naturopathy and to provide reports.

Caps the total amount that a covered person is required to pay for a covered prescription asthma inhaler to twenty-five dollars ($25.00) per thirty (30) day supply.

Prohibits the manufacture, sale and distribution for sale a food product containing brominated vegetable oil, potassium bromate, propylparaben and red dye 3.

Allows an out-of-state health care practitioner to provide telehealth services to a patient located in this state if the services are consistent with the practitioner's scope of practice and state and federal professional standards.

Requires that all cosmetics manufactured, sold, delivered, held or offered for sale contain a label that completely and accurately lists all of their component ingredients.

Establishes the procedures and requirements for the licensing of youth camps.

Requires golfing facilities to have an automated external defibrillator on the premises.

Medicare Supplement Insurance Policies

Assisted Living Residence Licensing Act

Licensing Of Healthcare Facilities

Uniform Controlled Substances Act

Accident And Sickness Insurance Policies

Police Officers - Commission On Standards And Training

Professional Licensing And Regulation Of Speech-language Pathologists And Audiologists

Individual Health Insurance Coverage

Citizens' Commission For The Safety And Care Of The Elderly

Mental Health Law

Hearing Aid Dealers And Fitters

Licensing Of Health Care Facilities

Restroom Access Act

Children With Disabilities -- Statutes And Statutory Construction

Retention Of X-rays

Office Of Health And Human Services Health Equity Zone Initiative

Operators' And Chauffeurs' Licenses

House Resolution Creating A Special Legislative Commission To Study And Provide Recommendations For Changes To The Merit System For Personnel Administration And Personnel Management In The Department Of Human Services And The Department Of Children, Youth And Families (creates An 11 Member Commission To Study And Make Recommendations For Changes To The Merit System Of Personnel Administration And Personnel Management In Dhs And Dcyf, And Who Would Report Back By April 1, 2024, And Expire On May 31, 2024.)

Cruelty To Animals

Certified Surgical First Assistants

Joint Resolution Amending The Joint Resolution Creating A Permanent Legislative Commission On Child Care In Rhode Island (this Resolution Would Amend The Commission Name, Membership, Appointment Process, Purpose, Funding Allowance Designation, Timeline For Membership, And Meeting Schedules.)

Cruelty To Animals

Accident And Sickness Insurance Policies

Nurses

Opticians

Medicare Supplement Insurance Policies

Department Of Children, Youth And Families

Long-term Care Coordinating Council

Licensing Of Healthcare Facilities

Physician Assistants

House Resolution Creating A Special Legislative Commission To Study And Provide Recommendations Pertaining To Services And Coordination Of State Programs Relating To Older Adult Rhode Islanders (creates A 16 Member Commission To Study And Provide Recommendations For Services And The Coordination Of State Programs For Older Adult Rhode Islanders, And Report Back By May 7, 2024, And Expire On August, 2024.)

Comprehensive Discharge Planning

Interstate Medical Licensure Compact

Accident And Sickness Insurance Policies

Department Of Children, Youth And Families

Joint Resolution Creating A Special Legislative Commission To Write An Olmstead Plan For Rhode Island (creates A Twenty-eight (28) Member Special Legislative Commission Whose Purpose It Is To Write An Olmstead Plan For Ri, And Who Reports Back To The General Assembly No Later Than January 3, 2024, And Whose Life Expires On July 1, 2024.)

Department Of Health

Animal Care

Public Utilities Commission

Accident And Sickness Insurance Policies

Prevention And Suppression Of Contagious Diseases -- Hiv/aids

Accident And Sickness Insurance Policies

Prescription Drug Benefits

Accident And Sickness Insurance Policies

Rights Of Nursing Home Patients

Rights Of Nursing Home Patients

Medical Spas Safety Act

Health Care Accessibility And Quality Assurance Act

The Prescription Drug Sales Representative Disclosure Act

The Rhode Island Health Care Reform Act Of 2004 -- Health Insurance Oversight

Uniform Telehealth Act

Prescription Drug Cost Protection

House Resolution Creating A Special Legislative Commission To Examine And Make Recommendations To Combat The Rising Threat Of Targeted Violence Against Faith Communities (creates A 15 Member Commission To Examine And Make Recommendations To Combat The Rising Threat Of Targeted Violence Against Faith Communities, And Report Back To The House By February 7, 2024, And Expire On May 7, 2024.)

Rights Of Nursing Home Patients

Police Officers - Commission On Standards And Training

Licensing Of Youth Camps

Benefit Determination And Utilization Review Act

House Resolution Extending The Reporting And Expiration Dates Of The Special Legislative Commission To Study And Provide Recommendations For Uniform Multi-state Nursing License Requirements (this Resolution Would Extend The Reporting And Expiration Dates Of The Commission To Study The And Provide Recommendations For Uniform Multi-state Nursing License Requirements, From April 13, 2023 To June 9, 2023, And Would Expire On June 23, 2023.)

Accident And Sickness Insurance Policies

Rhode Island Food, Drugs, And Cosmetics Act

Program Of All-inclusive Care For The Elderly

License Procedure For Social Workers

Pharmaceutical Redistribution Program Act

Insurance Coverage For Mental Illness And Substance Abuse

Licensing Of Health Care Facilities

Animal Care

Animal Care

Accident And Sickness Insurance Policies -- Biomarker Testing Coverage

Accident And Sickness Insurance Policies -- Biomarker Testing Coverage

Mental Health Counselors And Marriage And Family Therapists

Accident And Sickness Insurance Policies

Rhode Island Physical Therapist Licensure Compact Act

Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact

Uniform Controlled Substances Act

Assisted Living Residence Licensing Act

Physical Therapists

Cruelty To Animals

Accident And Sickness Insurance Policies

Community Mental Health Services

Home And Community Care Services To The Elderly

Barbers, Hairdressers, Cosmeticians, Manicurists And Estheticians

Accident And Sickness Insurance Policies

Nurses

Food Allergy Awareness In Food Service Establishments

Medical Insurance Coverage For Epinephrine Injectors

Accident And Sickness Insurance Policies

Assisted Living Residence Licensing Act

Licensing Of Youth Camps

Physician Assistants

Certification Of Childcare And Youth-serving Workers And Operators

Comprehensive Discharge Planning

Harm Reduction Center Advisory Committee And Pilot Program

Emergency Medical Transportation Services

Department Of Health

Department Of Health

Emergency Medical Transportation Services

Licensing Of Healthcare Facilities

Pharmacies

Wholesale Prescription Drug Importation Program

House Resolution Respectfully Requesting The Executive Office Of Health And Human Services (eohhs) To Create A Covid-19 Surge Plan For Handling The Increasing Need For Behavioral Health Services And Substance Use Disorder Treatments

Pharmacies

Individual Health Insurance Coverage

Pharmacies

Prescription Drug Benefits

Health Care Accessibility And Quality Assurance Act

Licensing And Monitoring Of Child Placing Agencies, Child Caring Agencies, Foster And Adoptive Homes, And Children's Behavioral Health Programs

Accident And Sickness Insurance Policies

Accident And Sickness Insurance Policies

Homeless Bill Of Rights

Home Care Recovery And Stability Act

Registration Of Nursing Assistants

The Drug Cost Transparency Act

Accident And Sickness Insurance Policies

Neurofeedback Therapy

Establishing The Rhode Island Rare Disease Medication Accessibility, Affordability, And Reinsurance Act

Public Health And Workplace Safety Act

Opioid Alternatives

National Criminal Records Check System--criminal Records Review

House Resolution Respectfully Urging The United States Congress To Pass Legislation Establishing An Improved "medicare For All" Single Payer Program That Would Provide Universal, Comprehensive And Affordable Health Care (same As 21h-6078--)

Accident And Sickness Insurance Policies -- Physical Therapy Copay

Insurance Coverage For Mental Illness And Substance Abuse

Accident And Sickness Insurance Policies

Cruelty To Animals

Rights Of Nursing Home Patients

Emergency Medical Transportation Services--ambulance Service Coordinating Board

Rhode Island Health Information Exchange Act Of 2008

Pharmacies

Newborn Screening Program

Pharmacies

Hospital Workplace Violence Protection Act

Physical Therapists

Health And Safety Of Pupils

Medical Assistance -- Perinatal Doula Services

Confidentiality Of Health Care Communications And Information Act

The Telemedicine Coverage Act

Prescription Drug Benefits

Donation Of Medications For Use By Nonprofit, State And Local Facilities

Donation Of Medications For Use By Nonprofit, State And Local Facilities

Prescription Drug Benefits

Prescription Drug Benefits

Patient Visitation Rights

The Consumer Protection In Eye Care Act

Nondiscrimination In Access To Anatomical Gifts And Organ Transplant Act

Relating To Insurance

Relating To Insurance

Joint Resolution Amending The Joint Resolution Creating A Permanent Legislative Commission On Child Care In Rhode Island (this Resolution Would Amend The Membership And Purpose Of Said Commission, Allow For Funding With Approval, And Require Review Of Said Membership Every Two (2) Years.)

Uniform Controlled Substances Act

Accident And Sickness Insurance Policies

Uniform Controlled Substances Act

The Healing Art Of Acupuncture And Oriental Medicine

Prevention And Suppression Of Contagious Diseases -- Hiv/aids

Dentists And Dental Hygienists

911 Emergency Telephone Number Act

Breast Cancer Patient Notification

Licensing And Monitoring Of Child Placing Agencies, Child Caring Agencies, Foster And Adoptive Homes, And Children's Behavioral Health Programs

Coverage For Mental Illness And Substance Abuse

Comprehensive Discharge Planning

Accident And Sickness Insurance Policies

Uniform Controlled Substances Act

Uniform Controlled Substances Act

Office Of State Medical Examiners

Medical Assistance

Accident And Sickness Insurance Policies -- Step Therapy Protocols

Licensing Of Swimming Pools

Accident And Sickness Insurance Policies -- The Maryellen Goodwin Colorectal Cancer Screening Act

Uniform Control Substances Act

The Edward O. Hawkins And Thomas C. Slater Medical Marijuana Act

Board Of Medical Licensure And Discipline

Relating To Animals And Animal Husbandry

Pharmacies

House Resolution Respectfully Urging The United States Congress To Pass Legislation Establishing An Improved "medicare For All" Single Payer Program That Would Provide Universal, Comprehensive And Affordable Health Care

Department Of Health

Creating A Special Legislative Commission To Study Rhode Island's Payment And Reimbursement For Hospital-acquired Conditions

License Of Naturopathy Act

Public Health And Workplace Safety Act

Commission On Standards And Training

Developmental Disabilities Ombudsperson Act Of 2021

Interstate Compact To Award Prizes For Curing Diseases

Accident And Sickness Insurance Policies

Confidentiality Of Health Care Communications And Information Act

Insurance Coverage For Mental Illness And Substance Abuse

Pharmacies -- Prescriptions

Cruelty To Animals

Animal Care

Barbers, Hairdressers, Cosmeticians, Manicurists And Estheticians

Individual Health Insurance Coverage

Accident And Sickness Insurance Policies -- Lifetime Limits

Licensing Of Healthcare Facilities

Insurance Coverage For Mental Illness And Substance Abuse

Drug Cost Transparency

Sexual Assault Evidence Kits

Cemeteries--cemetery Perpetual Funds Reporting

Joint Resolution Creating A Special Legislative Commission To Study And Assess The Implementation Of An Improved Medicare-for-all-type Single Payer Program In The State Of Rhode Island (creates A 19 Member Commission To Study And Assess Implementing An Improved Medicare-for-all-type Single Payer Program In Ri, And Who Would Report Back To The Senate And House 1 Year From The Date Of Passage, And Expire 2 Years From The Date Of Passage.)

Cosmetic Labeling

Milk Sanitation Code

Prescription Drug Affordability Board - Group Purchasing Board For Rx We Can Afford

Mental Health Law

Sanitation In Food Establishments

Sanitation In Food Establishments

Insurance Coverage For Mental Illness And Substance Abuse

Insurance Coverage For Mental Illness And Substance Abuse

Physician Assistants

Psychologists

Accessible Residence Modifications

Pharmacies

Physical Therapy Copay

Prescriptions

Pharmacies

House Resolution Creating A Special Legislative Commission To Study Optimizing Health And Safety Laws Affecting Marginalized Individuals (creates 13 Member Special Legislative Commission To Study Optimizing Health And Safety Laws Affecting Marginalized Individuals With Report Date Of 2/7/22; Expiration Date Of 5/7/22.)

Animal Care

Assisted Living Residences

House Resolution Respectfully Requesting The Rhode Island Department Of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities And Hospitals (bhddh) To Fully Address All Previous Violations And Take All Necessary Actions To Ensure Ongoing Compliance With The Federal Mental Health Parity And Addiction Equity Act Of 2008 (requesting The Ri Department Of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities And Hospitals To Address All Previous Violations And Take Necessary Actions To Ensure Compliance With The Federal Mental Health Parity And Addiction Equity Act Of 2008)