AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- UNIVERSITY OF RHODE ISLAND SCHOOLS OF MEDICINE AND DENTISTRY (Provides for the creation of medical and dental schools at the University of Rhode Island.)

H7418

2026 -- H 7418
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LC003609
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STATE OF RHODE ISLAND
IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY
JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2026
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A N A C T
RELATING TO EDUCATION -- UNIVERSITY OF RHODE ISLAND SCHOOLS OF
MEDICINE AND DENTISTRY

Introduced By:
Representatives Hopkins, J. Brien, Casimiro, Shanley, Perez, Solomon,
Nardone, Fascia, Read, and Tanzi

Date Introduced:
January 30, 2026

Referred To:
House Education
It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:
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SECTION 1. Title 16 of the General Laws entitled "EDUCATION" is hereby amended by
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adding thereto the following chapter:
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CHAPTER 32.2
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UNIVERSITY OF RHODE ISLAND SCHOOLS OF MEDICINE AND DENTISTRY
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16-32.2-1. Establishment.

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There are hereby established within the University of Rhode Island a school of medicine
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and a school of dentistry, each of which shall be academic units of the University of Rhode Island.
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16-32.2-2. Purpose.

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The purposes of the schools of medicine and dentistry shall be to:
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(1) Provide professional education and training in medicine and dentistry to meet the health
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care workforce needs of the state;
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(2) Improve access to medical and dental care for the residents of Rhode Island, including
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underserved populations;
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(3) Support research, public health initiatives, and community-based clinical education;
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(4) Promote collaboration with hospitals, health systems, dental clinics, and other health-
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related institutions.
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16-32.2-3. Authority to confer degrees.

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The University of Rhode Island is authorized to confer, through its schools of medicine

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and dentistry:
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(1) The degree of Doctor of Medicine (M.D.);
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(2) The degree of Doctor of Dental Surgery (D.D.S.) or Doctor of Dental Medicine
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(D.M.D.); and
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(3) Such other graduate or professional degrees as may be approved by the board of trustees
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of the University of Rhode Island and the council on postsecondary education.
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16-32.2-4. Governance.

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(a) The schools of medicine and dentistry shall be subject to the governance, management,
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and control of the board of trustees of the University of Rhode Island, consistent with applicable
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law.
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(b) Each school shall be administered by a dean, appointed by the president of the
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University of Rhode Island with the approval of the board of trustees.
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16-32.2-5. Accreditation.

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(a) The University of Rhode Island shall seek and maintain accreditation:
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(1) For the school of medicine, by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME)
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or its successor;
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(2) For the school of dentistry, by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) or its
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successor.
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(b) No students shall be matriculated into a professional degree program unless the
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applicable accrediting body has authorized matriculation under its standards.
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16-32.2-6. Clinical education and affiliation agreements.

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(a) The University of Rhode Island is authorized to enter into affiliation agreements with
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hospitals, health systems, dental clinics, community health centers, and other entities for purposes
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including, but not limited to:
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(1) Clinical education and clerkships;
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(2) Residency and post-graduate training;
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(3) Appointment of clinical faculty;
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(4) Joint research and public service activities.
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(b) Individuals employed by affiliated entities may hold academic appointments at the
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University of Rhode Island, subject to policies of the board of trustees.
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16-32.2-7. Faculty practice plans.

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(a) The board of trustees may establish or designate one or more faculty practice plans,
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including nonprofit entities, for the administration of professional clinical services provided by
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faculty of the schools of medicine and dentistry.

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(b) Revenues generated through faculty practice plans established or designated pursuant
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to subsection (a) of this section may be retained by the University of Rhode Island and used to
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support the educational, clinical, and research missions of the schools.
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16-32.2-8. Funding.

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The general assembly may appropriate funds for the planning, establishment, operation,
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and maintenance of the schools of medicine and dentistry, including accreditation, faculty
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recruitment, facilities, and student support.
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16-32.2-9. Capital development.

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Facilities for the schools of medicine and dentistry shall be subject to the state capital
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development process and may be financed through appropriations, bonds approved by the voters,
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or other lawful means.
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16-32.2-10. Rules and regulations.

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The board of trustees of the University of Rhode Island may adopt rules and regulations
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necessary to carry out the provisions of this chapter.
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SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.
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EXPLANATION
BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL
OF
A N A C T
RELATING TO EDUCATION -- UNIVERSITY OF RHODE ISLAND SCHOOLS OF
MEDICINE AND DENTISTRY
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This act would provide for the creation of medical and dental schools at the University of
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Rhode Island.
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This act would take effect upon passage.
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