Bill > H5526

This bill establishes a mandatory annual state appropriation of $500,000 to support the Thundermist Family Medicine Residency Program in Rhode Island, beginning in fiscal year 2026. The legislation creates a new chapter in the state's human services laws that outlines the purpose, administration, and reporting requirements for this funding. The bill recognizes the critical role of family medicine residency programs in addressing healthcare needs, particularly in underserved and rural areas, by supporting activities such as resident and faculty recruitment, curriculum development, clinical training site expansion, and equipment acquisition. The Thundermist health center will receive these funds through the Department of Health and will be required to submit an annual report to the General Assembly detailing program outcomes, including the number of residents trained, program activities, financial usage, and the program's impact on healthcare access and outcomes in Rhode Island. The bill includes a severability clause to ensure that if any part of the legislation is found invalid, the remaining provisions can still be implemented. The funding and program will officially commence on July 1, 2025.

Budget and Finance

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