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SB 2569

AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- DETERMINATION OF NEED FOR NEW HEALTHCARE EQUIPMENT AND NEW INSTITUTIONAL HEALTH SERVICES

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jake Bissaillon and 9 co-sponsors

SB 2569 establishes healthcare provider requirements to prove community need before acquiring major equipment or expanding institutional services in Rhode Island.

04/03/2026 Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (04/09/2026)
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 2569

Legislative bill overview

SB 2569 establishes or modifies the "determination of need" (CON) process in Rhode Island for acquiring new healthcare equipment and launching new institutional health services. This regulatory mechanism requires healthcare providers to demonstrate community need before making major capital investments or service expansions. The bill aims to control healthcare costs and ensure resources align with public health priorities.

Why is this important

Certificate of Need (CON) laws directly affect healthcare accessibility and affordability by controlling supply and potentially preventing unnecessary duplication of services. The outcomes influence which hospitals and providers can expand, where new medical equipment gets deployed, and ultimately which communities receive certain healthcare services. These decisions have real consequences for rural areas, underserved populations, and healthcare competition.

Potential points of contention

  • Market competition vs. regulation: Critics argue CON requirements stifle competition and innovation by limiting new entrants and service expansion, while supporters contend they prevent wasteful spending and maintain quality standards
  • Access equity: Uncertainty whether stricter "need" determinations help underserved areas (by preventing wasteful luxury services) or harm them (by blocking investment in rural/low-income regions)
  • Implementation costs: The administrative burden and timeline for "determination of need" reviews could delay urgent service expansion or equipment acquisition, creating practical delays in patient care delivery

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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