AN ACT RELATING TO HUMAN SERVICES -- THUNDERMIST FAMILY MEDICINE RESIDENCY PROGRAM (Appropriates the sum of five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000) to fund the Thundermist family medicine residency program during fiscal year 2027 and every fiscal year thereafter.)

H7588

2026 -- H 7588
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LC004405
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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 HUMAN SERVICES -- THUNDERMIST FAMILY MEDICINE RESIDENCY
PROGRAM

Introduced By:
Representatives Fogarty, Carson, Kazarian, Handy, Hull, Donovan, Voas,
Tanzi, Speakman, and Alzate

Date Introduced:
February 06, 2026

Referred To:
House Finance
It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:
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SECTION 1. Legislative Findings and Purpose.
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(1) The Thundermist Family Medicine Residency Program is a critical component in
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addressing the healthcare needs of Rhode Island residents, particularly in underserved and rural
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areas; and
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(2) Family medicine residency programs play a vital role in training the next generation of
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primary care physicians, who are essential for improving health outcomes and reducing healthcare
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disparities; and
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(3) The demand for primary care services continues to grow in Rhode Island, necessitating
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increased investment in family medicine training programs to ensure an adequate workforce; and
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(4) Other healthcare institutions in Rhode Island, such as Landmark Medical Center,
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receive state funding to support their missions, underscoring the importance of equitable state
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investment in healthcare initiatives; and
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(5) Funding for the Thundermist Family Medicine Residency Program will enhance the
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program's capacity to recruit and retain highly qualified medical residents, expand training
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opportunities, and improve access to care for Rhode Island residents.
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SECTION 2. Title 40 of the General Laws entitled "HUMAN SERVICES" is hereby
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amended by adding thereto the following chapter:
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CHAPTER 8.16

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THUNDERMIST FAMILY MEDICINE RESIDENCY PROGRAM
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40-8.16-1. Appropriation of funds.

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(a) For the fiscal year 2027 and every fiscal year thereafter, the State of Rhode Island shall
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appropriate the sum of five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000) to the Thundermist family
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medicine residency program for the purpose of supporting its operational and educational activities,
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including, but not limited to:
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(1) Recruitment and retention of residents and faculty;
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(2) Development and implementation of innovative curriculum focused on primary care
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and community health;
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(3) Expansion of clinical training sites in underserved and rural areas;
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(4) Acquisition of necessary equipment and resources to enhance training and patient care;
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(5) Support for administrative functions and program evaluation.
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(b) The funds appropriated under this section shall be administered by the department of
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health in collaboration with the Thundermist health center.
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40-8.16-2. Reporting requirements.

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(a) The Thundermist family medicine residency program shall submit an annual report to
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the general assembly and the department of health, detailing the use of state funds, program
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outcomes, and its impact on addressing the primary care needs of Rhode Island residents.
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(b) The report shall include:
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(1) Number of residents trained and their subsequent practice locations (as applicable);
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(2) Summary of program activities and curriculum enhancements;
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(3) Financial statement detailing the use of state funds; and
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(4) Evaluation of the program’s impact on healthcare access and outcomes in Rhode Island.
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40-8.16-3. Severability.

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If any provision of this chapter or the application thereof to any person or circumstance is
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held invalid, such invalidity shall not affect other provisions or applications of this chapter, which
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can be given effect without the invalid provision or application, and to this end, the provisions of
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this chapter are declared to be severable.
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SECTION 3. This act shall take effect on July 1, 2026.
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EXPLANATION
BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL
OF
A N A C T
RELATING TO HUMAN SERVICES -- THUNDERMIST FAMILY MEDICINE RESIDENCY
PROGRAM
***
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This act would appropriate the sum of five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000) to fund
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the Thundermist family medicine residency program during fiscal year 2027 and every fiscal year
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thereafter.
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This act would take effect on July 1, 2026.
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