Healthcare

signed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 10, 2026

SB 2878: AN ACT RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS -- DENTISTS AND DENTAL HYGIENISTS

This bill allows dental hygienists to receive payment from insurance sources other than the dentist's own plan, including third-party payors like Medicare. It directly affects dental practices by expanding the types of insurance that can reimburse dental hygienists for their services. The key provision removes previous restrictions that limited reimbursement to specific insurance arrangements, enabling broader payment options for dental hygiene care. This change applies to all dental practices employing dental hygienists within the state where the bill is enacted.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill expands insurance reimbursement options for dental hygienists, improving patient access to care and strengthening healthcare service delivery.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Healthcare

signed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 10, 2026

SB 2870: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- LEAD POISONING PREVENTION ACT

Requires any licensed lab performing blood lead analyses of a child under 6 to be certified by the director and said laboratory must perform this test regardless of the child or child’s parent’s ability to pay and at no cost.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill mandates free lead poisoning testing for children under 6, improving public health access and protecting vulnerable populations from health risks.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Healthcare

signed · Rhode Island · House Jun 10, 2026

HB 7837: AN ACT RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS -- DENTISTS AND DENTAL HYGIENISTS

HB 7837 allows dental hygienists working in public-health settings - such as schools, nursing homes, and community health centers - to receive reimbursement from insurance companies or Medicare, not just Medicaid. Currently, these hygienists could only be paid by Medicaid or state healthcare programs, but the bill removes that restriction. This change expands payment options for preventive dental services provided in community settings without altering the requirement for a written agreement with a dentist or patient consent forms. The bill directly affects dental hygienists and public-health facilities by enabling broader insurance coverage for their services.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareExpands reimbursement for dental hygienists in public health settings, increasing access to preventive care through broader insurance/Medicare coverage without restricting Medicaid payments.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Healthcare

passed · Rhode Island · House Jun 9, 2026

HR 8451: HOUSE RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT TO WORK WITH THE TOWN OF NEW SHOREHAM TO DEVELOP A REGULATORY FRAMEWORK TO REDUCE TICK-BORNE ILLNESS ON BLOCK ISLAND

This bill directs the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management to work with the Town of New Shoreham to create a plan for managing deer populations on Block Island to reduce tick-borne illnesses. The proposed framework would allow the town to apply for special permits to conduct deer management activities, such as licensed hunting or culling, which are currently restricted on the island. Additionally, the plan must include safety protocols, data collection on deer and tick populations, and public education efforts, with a final report due to state leaders within six months.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill aims to reduce tick-borne illnesses by managing deer populations, directly protecting public health and preventing disease spread.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Healthcare

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passed · Rhode Island · House Jun 9, 2026

HB 8545: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- RHODE ISLAND PROGRAM TO ADDRESS ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE

Amends law to include all licensed physician assistants with licensed physicians and nurses required, each license renewal period, to complete a minimum of 1 hour of instruction on the diagnosis treatment, and care of patients with cognitive impairments.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill mandates continuing education for healthcare providers on Alzheimer's care, strengthening professional competence and patient support.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Healthcare

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passed · Rhode Island · House Jun 9, 2026

HB 8568: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- RHODE ISLAND PROGRAM TO ADDRESS ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE

Amends the current law on Alzheimer’s care by enacting a specific list of protocols to be followed and those healthcare facilities subject to the law.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill establishes protocols for Alzheimer's care facilities, strengthening healthcare standards and patient protection.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Healthcare

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passed · Rhode Island · House Jun 9, 2026

HB 8365: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- INTERNATIONAL PUBLIC HEALTH COLLABORATION

This bill authorizes Rhode Island's Department of Health to join international public health collaboration networks aimed at detecting and responding to infectious disease outbreaks. It allows the department to enter into agreements with federal agencies, international organizations, and academic institutions to share expertise, training, and surveillance data while maintaining privacy protections. The legislation also permits the state to designate specific offices or laboratories as partners in these networks and to provide voluntary assistance during global outbreak responses. Additionally, the bill requires coordination with federal authorities like the CDC and ensures that no regulatory authority is transferred to international organizations.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill strengthens public health infrastructure by enabling international collaboration for infectious disease detection and response, enhancing surveillance capabilities and data sharing while protecting privacy.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Healthcare

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passed · Rhode Island · House Jun 9, 2026

HB 7617: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- HEALTH AND SAFETY OF PUPILS

Provides that where the administration, use, or maintenance of epinephrine within schools and on buses is authorized, this use includes epinephrine delivery devices approved by the United States Food & Drug Administration and epinephrine nasal sprays.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareAuthorizes epinephrine auto-injectors/nasal sprays in schools for allergic reactions, improving emergency health access for students.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Healthcare

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passed · Rhode Island · House Jun 9, 2026

HB 7928: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- ASSISTED LIVING RESIDENCE LICENSING ACT

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

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareEstablishes resident councils in assisted living facilities to enhance oversight and resident involvement, supporting patient-centered care standards within healthcare services.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Healthcare

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passed · Rhode Island · House Jun 9, 2026

HB 7938: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- REGISTRATION OF NURSING ASSISTANTS -- QUALIFYING LANGUAGE

HB 7938 requires the state department of health to administer the licensing exam for certified nursing assistants in both English and Spanish. This directly affects nursing assistants seeking licensure, particularly Spanish-speaking applicants, by improving access to the exam. The bill mandates that the exam be offered in both languages without changing the content or requirements for passing. It takes effect upon passage and does not alter other provisions like fee structures or exemptions.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates bilingual licensing exams for nursing assistants, improving access for Spanish-speaking applicants and enhancing healthcare workforce diversity without altering requirements.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentMakes licensing exam accessible in Spanish, removing language barrier for nursing assistants seeking employment.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Healthcare

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