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HR 8557

HOUSE RESOLUTION CREATING A SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION TO STUDY PRIMARY CARE MEDICINE IN RHODE ISLAND

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

A 14-member commission will study Rhode Island primary care, focusing on independent practices, financial burdens, and funding options, with a final report and policy recommendatio

05/28/2026 Committee recommended measure be held for further study
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Bill Summary · HR 8557

Purpose and intent

  • Establishes a special legislative commission to study primary care medicine in Rhode Island.
  • Aims to improve health care in the state by reviewing current primary care practices, identifying barriers, and exploring policy options to support delivery of primary care.

Key provisions and changes

  • Composition (14 members total):
    • 3 members from the Rhode Island House of Representatives (no more than 2 from the same party); appointed as:
    • 2 by the Speaker of the House
    • 1 by the Minority Leader
    • 1 representative from the Rhode Island Medical Society (or designee)
    • 1 member who is the Attorney General (or designee)
    • 1 member who is the Director of the Department of Health (or designee)
    • 1 member who is the Director of the Department of Human Services (or designee)
    • 1 president of the Rhode Island Hospital Association (or designee)
    • 4 primary care physicians (appointed by the Speaker of the House)
    • 1 nurse practitioner with experience in private practice economics (appointed by the Speaker)
    • 1 nurse practitioner with experience in primary care medicine (appointed by the Speaker)
  • Flexibility to substitute public members for legislators if agreed to by party leadership.
  • Purpose of the commission: 1) Review all forms of primary care medicine in Rhode Island, with emphasis on independently owned practices. 2) Explore ways to increase revenue and reduce the financial burden of unpaid work on practices. 3) Identify short- and long-term solutions. 4) Review best practices from other states that support primary care growth and viability. 5) Consider new funding methods, including potential new federal funding opportunities for primary care.
  • Organization and operations:
    • Members to meet and organize promptly after passage; chair elected from among members.
    • Vacancies filled in the same manner as original appointments.
    • No compensation for commission members.
    • Commission expected to exist for about two years from formation.
    • State departments/agencies to furnish information as needed.
  • Reporting and timeline:
    • Final findings and recommendations due to the House by April 28, 2028.
    • Interim reports may be issued before the final report.
    • Commission to expire on May 30, 2028.

Who is affected

  • Primary care medicine stakeholders in Rhode Island, including:
    • Independently owned primary care practices
    • Primary care physicians and nurse practitioners
    • State health agencies (Department of Health, Department of Human Services)
    • Professional associations (Rhode Island Medical Society, Rhode Island Hospital Association)
    • General public seeking primary care services (indirectly, through potential policy changes)

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduced May 15, 2026; referred to House Health & Human Services.
  • Commission formation and organizing meeting to occur immediately after passage.
  • Two-year duration for the commission, with a final report due by April 28, 2028 and expiration on May 30, 2028.
  • Interim reports allowed at the commission’s discretion.
  • All state departments/agencies to cooperate by providing information as needed.

Summary in brief

House Resolution 8557 creates a 14-member special legislative commission to study Rhode Island’s primary care medicine landscape, focusing on independent practices, financial and administrative burdens, and potential funding pathways. It includes diverse stakeholders (physicians, nurse practitioners, public health officials, and representatives from medical associations) and directs a structured two-year review culminating in a comprehensive report with recommendations, potentially informing future policy to strengthen primary care delivery in the state.

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

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