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HR 8443

HOUSE RESOLUTION PROCLAIMING APRIL 19-25 OF 2026 TO BE "MEDICAL LABORATORY PROFESSIONALS WEEK" IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Karen Alzate and 9 co-sponsors

Rhode Island proclaims April 19–25, 2026 as Medical Laboratory Professionals Week to recognize and honor lab staff for their critical role in patient care.

04/14/2026 House read and passed
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HR 8443

Summary: House Resolution Proclaiming April 19–25, 2026 as “Medical Laboratory Professionals Week” in Rhode Island (HR 8443)

Purpose and intent

  • Establishes April 19–25, 2026 as “Medical Laboratory Professionals Week” in the State of Rhode Island.
  • Recognizes and honors the essential contributions of medical laboratory professionals to patient care, diagnosis, and treatment.
  • Highlights the theme for 2026: “Lab Story: To Infinity and Beyond For Our Patients,” underscoring the broad impact of laboratory professionals on health care.

Key provisions

  • Proclamation: The Rhode Island House of Representatives proclaims a dedicated week recognizing medical laboratory professionals in the state.
  • Acknowledgments: The resolution thanks Rhode Island’s laboratory professionals for their tireless work to protect the health and safety of residents.
  • Formal transmission: Requires the Secretary of State to transmit certified copies of the resolution to:
    • Director of the Rhode Island Department of Health
    • Dr. Jerome Larkin, MD (referenced as a recipient in the text)
    • Maddie Josephs, Chair, Allied and Rehabilitative Health at CCRI
    • Leslie Martineau, Director, Laboratory Services, Wound Clinic and Sleep Disorder Center at CharterCARE Health Partners
    • Betsy Reilly, Retired Cytotechnologist and Laboratory Manager at Women & Infants Hospital

Affected entities

  • Primary: Medical laboratory professionals and laboratory staff within Rhode Island.
  • Administrative bodies involved in health care and education:
    • Rhode Island Department of Health
    • CCRI (Community College of Rhode Island) Allied and Rehabilitative Health programs
    • CharterCARE Health Partners (Laboratory Services, Wound Clinic, Sleep Disorder Center)
    • Women & Infants Hospital

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduction date: April 14, 2026.
  • Status: Passed by the Rhode Island House of Representatives on April 14, 2026.
  • Nature: A ceremonial resolution recognizing and honoring a profession; carries symbolic significance rather than enforceable regulatory changes.
  • Effective date: Immediate upon passage, with the proclamation declaring the designated week in 2026.

Overall impact

  • Provides formal statewide recognition and appreciation for medical laboratory professionals.
  • Helps raise awareness of the critical role of laboratory workers in patient care and public health.
  • May support outreach, education, and appreciation activities within health care and academic institutions during the designated week.

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

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