Read the full stored bill text
S3233
2026 -- S 3233
========
LC006349
========
STATE OF RHODE ISLAND
IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY
JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2026
____________
S E N A T E R E S O L U T I O N
RECOGNIZING THE VITAL ROLE OF INDEPENDENT COMMUNITY PHARMACIES IN
RHODE ISLAND
Introduced By:
Senators Ujifusa, LaMountain, Tikoian, Valverde, McKenney,
Famiglietti, Appollonio, Rogers, Felag, and Mack
Date Introduced:
April 28, 2026
Referred To:
Recommended for Immediate Consideration
1
WHEREAS, Independent community pharmacies are a cornerstone of Rhode Island’s
2
healthcare system, providing accessible, personalized, and trusted care to residents in every part
3
of the state; and
4
WHEREAS, These pharmacies are locally owned small businesses that support
5
neighborhood economies, create jobs, and serve as reliable healthcare access points—particularly
6
for seniors, individuals with chronic conditions, and residents in underserved areas; and
7
WHEREAS, Independent pharmacists provide essential services beyond dispensing
8
medications, including counseling, immunizations, chronic disease support, and coordination of
9
care with other healthcare providers; and
10
WHEREAS, The pharmacy landscape is evolving, with changes in how and where
11
patients access prescription medications, including the reduction of physical retail locations by
12
national pharmacy chains; and
13
WHEREAS, As access points shift, independent community pharmacies continue to
14
provide consistent, in-person care and often serve as a dependable option for patients seeking
15
continuity and personalized service; and
16
WHEREAS, Independent pharmacies operate within a complex healthcare and
17
reimbursement environment, including interactions with pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) and
18
public programs such as Medicaid, which play a role in shaping how pharmacy services are
19
delivered and sustained; and
1
WHEREAS, Maintaining a strong network of independent community pharmacies
2
supports patient choice, promotes access to medications, and contributes to a resilient,
3
community-based healthcare system; now, therefore be it
4
RESOLVED, That this Senate of the State of Rhode Island hereby recognizes and honors
5
the independent community pharmacies of Rhode Island for their essential contributions to
6
patient care, public health, and local economies; and be it further
7
RESOLVED, That the Senate expresses its appreciation for the pharmacists and staff
8
who serve their communities with dedication and professionalism; and be it further
9
RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to
10
transmit duly certified copies of this resolution to the Rhode Island Pharmacists Association and
11
to independent pharmacies throughout Rhode Island.
========
LC006349
========
LC006349 - Page 2 of 2