Rhode Island 2026 Regular Session

Rhode Island Senate Bill S2831

Introduced
3/4/26  

Caption

Appropriates two million seven hundred thousand dollars ($2,700,000) to fund the primary care training sites program to provide training for physicians, nurse practitioners and physician assistants within the department of health.

Impact

By appropriating this funding, S2831 will have significant implications for healthcare delivery in Rhode Island. With an increase in trained healthcare professionals, the bill aims to improve access to primary care services across the state. This is particularly pertinent as many areas face shortages of primary care providers, which can impact patient care. The Department of Health will administer the allocated funds, ensuring that they are utilized effectively to meet the program's designated training objectives and standards.

Summary

Bill S2831, introduced in the Rhode Island General Assembly, focuses on the appropriation of funds to support the Primary Care Training Sites Program. Specifically, it aims to allocate $2.7 million for the fiscal year 2026 and subsequent years. This funding is intended to enhance training opportunities for future healthcare professionals, including physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. The bill's goal is to strengthen the healthcare workforce by ensuring that these training programs have the necessary financial support to continue educating new healthcare providers.

Contention

While the intent behind S2831 is to bolster the state's healthcare framework, there may be points of contention surrounding budget allocations and prioritization within the broader state budget. Critics might argue that, despite the need for more trained providers, these funds divert resources from other vital areas in the state’s budget, such as immediate healthcare services or public health initiatives. Conversely, supporters may emphasize the long-term benefits of investing in a robust training program for healthcare professionals as a crucial step in addressing systemic healthcare challenges.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI S0339

Appropriates the sum of five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000) to fund the Thundermist family medicine residency program during fiscal year 2026 and every fiscal year thereafter.

RI H5526

Appropriates the sum of five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000) to fund the Thundermist family medicine residency program during fiscal year 2026 and every fiscal year thereafter.

RI S0120

Increases insurance coverage for hearing aids from one thousand five hundred dollars ($1,500) to one thousand seven hundred fifty dollars ($1,750), per ear, for all people regardless of age effective January 1, 2026.

RI H5218

Increases insurance coverage for hearing aids from one thousand five hundred dollars ($1,500) to one thousand seven hundred fifty dollars ($1,750), per ear, for all people regardless of age effective January 1, 2026.

RI H6257

Provides for an additional real estate conveyance tax for commercial properties sold in excess of one million five hundred thousand dollars ($1,500,000) at a rate of three dollars and thirteen cents ($3.13) for each five hundred dollars.

RI S0796

Provides a duty upon midwives, physician assistants and nurse practitioners to obtain a blood specimen of pregnant women within thirty (30) days after the first professional visit.

RI H5613

Provides a duty upon midwives, physician assistants and nurse practitioners to obtain a blood specimen of pregnant women within thirty (30) days after the first professional visit.

RI S0866

Provides a three thousand dollar ($3,000) stipend to a qualified applicant who successfully completes the job training program of the department of human services or department of children, youth and families.

RI S0695

Recognizes the program run by the Rhode Island Medical Society or comparable program for physicians, physician assistants, dentists, and podiatrists, to address burnout, substance abuse, and mental and physical health issues.

RI H5995

Provides a three thousand dollar ($3,000) stipend to a qualified applicant who successfully completes the job training program of the department of human services or department of children, youth and families.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.