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HB 7686

AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- PRIMARY CARE TRAINING SITES PROGRAM

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Edith Ajello and 9 co-sponsors

Creates a $2.7 million annual funding stream (starting FY2026) for Rhode Island Primary Care Training Sites to train physicians, NPs, and PAs through the DOH.

04/30/2026 Committee recommended measure be held for further study
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Bill Summary · HB 7686

Summary of HB 7686 (Rhode Island, 2026)

Title

AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- PRIMARY CARE TRAINING SITES PROGRAM

Objective / Intent

  • Establishes and funds the Primary Care Training Sites Program by authorizing an annual appropriation to support the training of physicians, nurse practitioners (NPs), and physician assistants (PAs) within Rhode Island.
  • The overarching goal is to strengthen the primary care workforce and training capacity in the state.

Key Provisions

  1. Appropriation and Funding (Section 23-17.30-8)

    • For fiscal year 2026 and thereafter, Rhode Island must appropriate $2,700,000 (two million seven hundred thousand dollars) to the Primary Care Training Sites Program.
    • The funds are dedicated to training activities for physicians, NPs, and PAs as established under this chapter.
    • Administration of the funds: The Department of Health shall administer the appropriation.

  2. Effective Date (Section 2)

    • The act takes effect on July 1, 2026.

Administration & Oversight

  • The Rhode Island Department of Health (DOH) is designated to administer the funds.
  • The program is part of the broader “Primary Care Training Sites Program” within Chapter 23-17.30 of the Rhode Island General Laws.

Affected Parties

  • Primary Beneficiaries: Medical students and healthcare learners pursuing training as:
    • Physicians
    • Nurse Practitioners (NPs)
    • Physician Assistants (PAs)
  • Impacted Entities: Primary care training sites within Rhode Island that participate in the program and leverage funded resources to support training activities.
  • Public Health System: Rhode Island residents who rely on primary care services, through strengthened workforce capacity and training opportunities.

Procedural & Timeline Details

  • Introduction Date: February 11, 2026.
  • Committee Action: Referred to House Finance; later recommended for hold for further study (as of April 30, 2026).
  • Hearing/Consideration Schedule: Previously scheduled for hearing/consideration around April 24–30, 2026.
  • Effective Date: July 1, 2026, if enacted.

Potential Impact

  • Workforce Development: Provides a stable funding stream to support training sites, potentially increasing the number of trained primary care physicians, NPs, and PAs in Rhode Island.
  • Quality of Care: By expanding and strengthening training capacity, the program could contribute to improved access to and quality of primary care services.
  • Budgetary Considerations: Establishes a dedicated annual appropriation of $2.7 million funded through state resources, with ongoing DOH oversight.

Summary Statement

HB 7686 proposes a dedicated, ongoing appropriation of $2.7 million for the Rhode Island Primary Care Training Sites Program beginning in fiscal year 2026, to be administered by the Department of Health. The bill aims to bolster training opportunities for doctors, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants within Rhode Island, thereby enhancing the primary care workforce and access to care for residents. The act would take effect July 1, 2026, contingent on passage.

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

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