SENATE RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING AND CELEBRATING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE RHODE ISLAND ACADEMY OF PHYSICIAN ASSISTANTS AND COMMENDING ITS LEADERSHIP AND CONTRIBUTIONS TO HEALTH CARE IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Bridget Valverde

Rhode Island recognizes RIAPA’s 50-year impact on improving access to high-quality, team-based care through physician assistant leadership and advocacy.

05/28/2026 Senate read and passed

Summary of SR 3328 (2026) – Rhode Island

Purpose and intent

Recognizes and celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Rhode Island Academy of Physician Assistants (RIAPA).

Commends RIAPA’s leadership, advocacy, education, and public service in advancing health care in Rhode Island.

Acknowledges RIAPA’s role in shaping a modern practice environment that supports Physician Assistants and improves access to care for Rhode Islanders.

Authored by Senator Bridget Valverde; companion sponsor listed as Co-sponsor Bridget Valverde.

Key provisions and changes

Formal recognition: The Senate explicitly recognizes RIAPA’s 50-year milestone (1976–2026) and its contributions to the state’s health care system.

Commendation and appreciation: The resolution commends RIAPA members for their dedication to the health and well-being of Rhode Island residents and for leadership in advocacy, regulation, and practice modernization.

Transmission of acknowledgment: Directs the Secretary of State to transmit a certified copy of the resolution to RIAPA, thereby officially record and publicize the recognition.

Who/what is affected

Rhode Island Academy of Physician Assistants (RIAPA): Receives formal recognition and commendation from the Rhode Island Senate.

General public / Rhode Island health care system: Benefits indirectly through acknowledgment of RIAPA’s contributions to improving access to high-quality, patient-centered care and collaborative, team-based practice environments.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Introduced in the 2026 session by Senator Bridget Valverde.

Placed on the Senate Consent Calendar on May 27–28, 2026, indicating it is non-controversial and expected to pass with minimal debate.

This is a commemorative, non-binding resolution; it does not create new law or fiscal obligations.

Notable context

Timeline reference: RIAPA founded in 1976; Rhode Island General Laws Chapter 5-54 (enacted in 1976) established the statutory framework for physician assistants in the state.

Emphasizes RIAPA’s national leadership in legislative and regulatory advocacy for team-based care and a supportive practice environment.

If you’d like, I can provide a brief layperson-friendly explainer or a side-by-side comparison with similar commemorative resolutions in Rhode Island.