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SB 695

AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- THE RHODE ISLAND CLINICIAN WELLNESS AND SUPPORT ACT

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Pete Appollonio and 7 co-sponsors

Rhode Island establishes clinician wellness program providing mental health and substance abuse support to healthcare practitioners to address provider burnout and improve retention.

06/24/2025 Signed by Governor
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Bill Summary · SB 695

Legislative bill overview

SB 695 establishes the Rhode Island Clinician Wellness and Support Act, a program designed to address mental health, burnout, and substance use issues among healthcare practitioners in the state. The bill creates support mechanisms, resources, and potentially confidential assistance pathways for clinicians experiencing psychological distress or addiction.

Why is this important

Healthcare provider burnout and mental health crises have reached critical levels nationally, directly affecting patient safety, care quality, and clinician retention. Rhode Island's legislation addresses a documented public health problem by creating formal support infrastructure, which can reduce suicide rates among healthcare workers (notably higher than general population) and improve overall healthcare system stability.

Potential points of contention

  • Confidentiality vs. licensing board reporting: Balancing clinician privacy protections against mandatory reporting requirements and professional licensure oversight creates tension between support and accountability
  • Funding mechanisms: The bill's sustainability depends on dedicated revenue sources; unclear funding could limit program effectiveness or burden existing healthcare budgets
  • Scope of coverage: Questions remain about which healthcare practitioners qualify, whether mental health counselors and mid-level providers are included, and whether independent practitioners access equal resources

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

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