Rhode Island 2026 Regular Session

Rhode Island House Bill H7278

Introduced
1/23/26  

Caption

Permits healthcare professionals to diagnose and treat patients remotely with store-and-forward technology when provision of services in such manner is consistent with the standard of care.

Impact

The implementation of H7278 could transform the landscape of healthcare in Rhode Island by enabling healthcare providers to offer services regardless of geographical limitations. This flexibility is particularly beneficial for underserved or rural areas where access to healthcare facilities and professionals is limited. Additionally, the bill amends existing definitions under the Telemedicine Coverage Act to clarify the roles of healthcare professionals and the scope of services covered. As healthcare evolves, this bill could lead to increased access and efficiency in patient care.

Summary

House Bill 7278, titled the Telemedicine Coverage Act, seeks to facilitate the provision of healthcare services through remote diagnosis and treatment via store-and-forward technology. This bill is significant as it aims to secure legal backing for telemedicine practices, which have become increasingly vital, especially in light of recent healthcare demands. By allowing healthcare professionals to evaluate and treat patients remotely, it offers a modern approach to healthcare delivery that is consistent with the standard of care expected in traditional settings.

Contention

While the bill has received support for its progressive approach to healthcare, it may also face scrutiny regarding issues of access and equity. Concerns have been raised about whether telemedicine could widen disparities for individuals lacking necessary technology or internet access. Furthermore, the effectiveness and appropriateness of remote diagnosis in certain cases remain points of discussion among healthcare professionals and policymakers. Balancing the push for innovation with the need for equitable access to healthcare services may be a key challenge as the bill moves forward.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI S0794

Authorizes emergency medical service agencies to transport individuals to alternative facilities for treatment and permits licensed providers for mental health disorders to treat patients within the community.

RI S0701

Allows advanced practice registered nurses, physician assistants, and physicians who are and are not licensed in Rhode Island to provide telemedicine services to patients who are in the state when those services are rendered.

RI H5771

Mandates Medicaid coverage for fertility diagnostic care, standard fertility preservation services, and fertility treatment.

RI H5629

Amends the current law on health insurance coverage for fertility diagnostic care, standard fertility preservation services, and fertility treatment and requires coverage for any medically necessary ovulation-enhancing drugs and medical services.

RI S0691

Requires individual and group health insurance policies that provide pregnancy-related benefits to cover medically necessary expenses for diagnosis and treatment of infertility and standard fertility-preservation services.

RI S0103

Mandates all insurance contracts, plans or policies provide insurance coverage for the expense of diagnosing and treating infertility, for women between the ages of 25 and 42 years including preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) in conjunction with IVF.

RI S0487

Prohibits any healthcare facility, from asking the legal immigration status of any patient.

RI H6244

Prohibits any personnel, in any healthcare facility, from asking the legal immigration status of any patient.

RI H6119

Adds to the powers and duties of the OHIC the undertaking of analyses, reports, studies, and recommendations with respect to reimbursement and financing for the provision of primary care services to Rhode Islanders.

RI S0608

Standardizes successor appointment language for various boards and adds language providing that a quorum be a majority of appointed members and the language applies across several healthcare professional boards that currently lack this language.

Similar Bills

LA HB1121

Authorizes certain healthcare entities to refuse to provide healthcare services under certain circumstances

RI H7030

Creates the healthcare worker platform act that requires platforms offering healthcare shifts to register with the Rhode Island department of health while exempting them from being classified as nursing service agencies.

AR HB1299

To Prohibit Healthcare Insurers From Exercising Recoupment For Payment Of Healthcare Services More Than One Year After The Payment For Healthcare Services Was Made.

RI H7941

Requires insurers to pay electronic claims for healthcare coverage within 14 calendar days of receipt. Permits healthcare providers to dispute claim denials within 60 days and empowers the secretary of EOHHS to establish penalties for violations.

AR HB1301

To Amend The Prior Authorization Transparency Act.

RI H8310

Amends the timelines related to healthcare provider credentialing.

MA S1632

Providing safeguards for home healthcare workers

MA H2364

Providing safeguards for home healthcare workers