HOUSE RESOLUTION CELEBRATING "NATIONAL HOSPITAL WEEK" ON MAY 10-16, 2026, IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

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

Rhode Island designates May 10-16, 2026 as National Hospital Week to honor and recognize hospitals and healthcare workers for their essential role.

05/14/2026 House read and passed

Summary of Bill: HR 8555 (Rhode Island, 2026)

Purpose and Intent

Declares May 10-16, 2026, as “National Hospital Week” in the State of Rhode Island.

Recognizes and thanks Rhode Island healthcare professionals for their dedication to patient care and the wellbeing of communities.

Highlights the historical origin of National Hospital Week (honoring Florence Nightingale) and its expansion to a week-long event to support public information and awareness about hospitals.

Key Provisions

Formal recognition by the Rhode Island House of Representatives that May 10-16, 2026, be observed as National Hospital Week in the state.

Acknowledgement of the vital role of hospitals, health systems, and healthcare workers (including nurses, doctors, practitioners, and staff) in delivering essential health services.

Authorization for the Secretary of State to transmit a certified copy of the resolution to Michael Sroczynski, President of the Hospital Association of Rhode Island.

Who/What Is Affected

Rhode Island residents and the broader health care community within the state.

Hospitals, health systems, and affiliated healthcare professionals who deliver emergency care, labor and delivery, minor surgery, and other services.

The Rhode Island Hospital Association (through its president) and state agencies involved in official communications.

Background and Context

Provides brief data points to illustrate the impact of hospitals:

Hospitals nationwide handle about 3.5 million births per year.
Approximately 6.3 million people are employed by hospitals nationwide.
Emergency care is provided to roughly 137 million individuals annually.
In Rhode Island specifically, hospitals supported over 60,000 jobs and generated about $11.7 billion in total economic output in 2024, with $779.3 million in state and local tax revenue.

Emphasizes the broader social and economic value of hospitals and healthcare professionals in the community.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

Introduced in May 2026 and referred to the House for action.

The measure was read and passed by the Rhode Island House on May 14, 2026.

The resolution directs the Secretary of State to deliver a certified copy to the Hospital Association of Rhode Island.

Implications

This is a symbolic, ceremonial resolution recognizing and celebrating National Hospital Week.

It serves to honor healthcare professionals and may support public awareness efforts by hospitals and health systems in Rhode Island.

No new mandates, funding, or regulatory changes are included; the resolution is primarily an expression of appreciation.

Bill