2025
Session
Overview
The Rhode Island General Assembly recessed its 2025 session on July 2, having completed its regular legislative business but leaving the session technically open to reconvene later this year if needed — including to assess the impact of the federal “One Big Beautiful Bill” (OBBB) on the state’s budget.
RIMS focused on strengthening Rhode Island’s healthcare system, protecting physicians’ well-being, reducing administrative burdens, and improving access to care. Together with members, specialty societies, and partner organizations, we made significant progress on our top priorities.
KEY WINS
» Passed two RIMS priority bills
» Budget investments in primary care, loan repayment & workforce
» Protected physicians’ ability to apologize compassionately (progress toward passage)
» Reduced administrative burdens (prior auth)
» Strengthened physician wellness resources
» Advocated successfully against burdensome proposals
KEY CHALLENGES
» Some scope of practice expansions and regulatory burdens passed despite opposition
» Telemedicine bill stalled — RIMS will continue this work next session
» Ongoing concern about primary care access & workforce shortages
LEGISLATION TRACKING
OUR PRIORITIES
PRIOR AUTHORIZATION REFORM
The Rhode Island Prior Authorization Reform Act (SB 168 / HB 5120)
Eliminates prior authorization for admissions, services, and procedures ordered by in-network primary care physicians in a three-year pilot.
Effective October 1, 2025.
STATUS: Passed & Signed
SPONSORED BY: Rep. Brandon Potter & Sen. Melissa Murray
CLINICIAN WELLNESS & SUPPORT
The Rhode Island Clinician Wellness and Support Act (SB 695 / HB 6036)
Recognizes RIMS’ Physician Health Program in statute, strengthens confidentiality protections, and updates licensing language to encourage clinicians to seek care without fear.
STATUS: Passed & Signed
SPONSORED BY: Rep. John “Jay” Edwards & Sen. Bridget Valverde
“I’M SORRY” BILL
H6210 / S66
Although not yet enacted, RIMS made significant progress this session on legislation to allow physicians to express sympathy or apologize after an adverse outcome without it being used as evidence of liability. We met twice with the Rhode Island Association for Justice (trial lawyers) and reviewed their suggested language — which we ultimately could not support — laying important groundwork for next session.
SPONSORED BY: Rep. Teresa Tanzi & Sen. Pamela Lauria
BUDGET WINS
FOR PROVIDERS
RIMS WORKED TO SECURE AND
SUPPORT KEY BUDGET INVESTMENTS
MEDICAID PRIMARY CARE
RATE INCREASE
Up to 100% of Medicare rates Starting October 2025
MEDICAID PRIOR
AUTH PILOT
Eliminates prior auth for Medicaid for 3 years Starting October 2025
PHYSICIAN LOAN
REPAYMENT FUNDING
Includes $200,000 in funding to recruit & retain clinicians
HEALTH CENTER
FUNDING
Sustained investments in FQHCs & community health
HEALTH SERVICES
FUNDING ASSESSMENT
$30M annually for primary care & other critical programs
ADVOCACY IN ACTION
RIMS LOBBY DAY MAY 15
More than 20 physicians joined RIMS at the State House to meet with legislative leaders, advocate for priority bills, and share real-world experiences.
We also coordinated closely with HARI (Hospital Association of Rhode Island) and RIHCA (Health Center Association of Rhode Island) to ensure a unified message on behalf of Rhode Island physicians and patients.
Conversations focused on the primary care crisis, workforce shortages, physician wellness, and administrative burdens.
The event was hosted in partnership with:
TOWN HALL & RALLY MAY 2025
In May, RIMS and RIACP hosted a Town Hall with Attorney General Peter Neronha, where he outlined his proposals to address the healthcare crisis, shared his vision for improving primary care, and took extensive questions from physicians.
RIMS also encouraged physicians to join the Attorney General at his “Raise the Rates” Rally at the State House to call for better Medicaid reimbursement and investment in primary care — amplifying our shared message that Rhode Island cannot afford to wait to fix its broken system.
PHYSICIAN ADVOCACY TRAINING SPRING 2025
RIMS launched a new Advocacy Training Program in April & May, empowering more than 20 physicians to engage confidently with policymakers. Participants earned CME credit and learned to tell their stories effectively at hearings and in meetings with legislators.
RIMS SHOWED UP FOR RI’S PHYSICIANS
%
BILLS INTRODUCED
%
BILLS TRACKED
%
WRITTEN TESTIMONIES
%
ORAL TESTIMONIES
%
PHYSICIANS AT LOBBY DAY
LEADERSHIP RECOGNITION
RIMS thanks Speaker of the House K. Joseph Shekarchi for his strong support of Rhode Island’s physicians and patients this session.
His leadership was critical to advancing prior authorization reform, securing funding for primary care, and facilitating progress on the “I’m Sorry” legislation.
We look forward to welcoming Speaker Shekarchi as keynote speaker at our Annual Member Meeting & Convivium on September 25 at
the Squantum Club.