HOUSE RESOLUTION COMMEMORATING THE WEEK OF MAY 6TH THROUGH MAY 12TH OF 2026, AS "NATIONAL NURSES WEEK" IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

2026 Regular Session Introduced by David Bennett and 9 co-sponsors

Rhode Island designates May 6–12, 2026 as National Nurses Week to honor nurses and emphasize their crucial role in healthcare under the theme “The Power of Nurses.”

05/12/2026 House read and passed

Summary of Bill HR 8540 (2026) — Rhode Island

Purpose and intent

The bill designates a specific period in 2026 as “National Nurses Week” in the State of Rhode Island.

The primary aim is to honor and recognize the contributions of nurses, highlight their role in healthcare, and encourage Rhode Island residents to celebrate and appreciate nurses’ work.

Key provisions and changes

Declares May 6 through May 12, 2026, as National Nurses Week in Rhode Island.

Acknowledges the nursing profession as the nation’s largest healthcare occupation and emphasizes the critical role nurses play across settings, including frontline pandemic response and home healthcare.

Notes the anniversaries of nursing organizations: American Nurses Association’s 130th anniversary and Rhode Island State Nurses Association’s 121st anniversary, framing them as part of the broader celebration of nursing.

Identifies a thematic focus for 2026, “The Power of Nurses,” developed in collaboration with major nursing organizations (American Nurses Association and Rhode Island State Nurses Association). The theme emphasizes appreciation for nurses’ impact and contributions to health care.

Encourages Rhode Island residents to recognize and celebrate the accomplishments and ongoing work of nurses throughout the year, not solely during the designated week.

directs the Secretary of State to transmit a certified copy of the resolution to the Rhode Island State Nurses Association.

Who is affected

Nurses in Rhode Island (professionally and publicly recognized) and the broader Rhode Island healthcare community.

Rhode Island residents and healthcare stakeholders who participate in or observe National Nurses Week activities.

The Rhode Island State Nurses Association as a beneficiary of formal recognition.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Introduced and filed during the 2026 legislative session (January session; introduced May 12, 2026).

Referred to and passed by the House on May 12, 2026 (House read and passed).

Administrative action: The Secretary of State is authorized to issue and transmit a certified copy of the resolution to the Rhode Island State Nurses Association.

Remarks

The resolution is ceremonial in nature, with no mandated funding or regulatory changes.

It serves to honor nurses’ contributions, align with the national theme for National Nurses Week, and foster public awareness and appreciation for the nursing profession in Rhode Island.