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Rhode IslandH54952025 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH SERVICES FOR CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL HEALTH CARE NEEDS .

Sponsored By: Rebecca M. Kislak (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

Privacy protections for newborn records and samples

Effective upon passage, identifiable newborn screening records may be used only for the screening program, including medical care and counseling. The Health Department may set rules for storing, accessing, and using leftover samples and classify data as protected health information. Access to information with identifying details removed is limited to the department and qualified researchers approved by the department. Researchers must have a valid scientific interest, conduct population or similar health studies, and agree in writing to privacy requirements. Screening samples and related data cannot be subpoenaed, obtained through court discovery, or used as evidence in courts or tribunals.

Broader newborn screening and family payment rules

Effective upon passage, Rhode Island requires newborn screening and a check for developmental risks. The attending physician, midwife, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant must arrange screening. Tests cover metabolic, hormone, and blood disorders, plus other conditions helped by early detection and treatment. Parents may refuse tests for religious reasons. Health Department rules must cover screening, diagnosis, and treatment based on accepted medical practice. Screening must include every condition on the current federal Recommended Uniform Screening Panel. New panel conditions must be added within two years. A written finding that this is not practical allows only the shortest necessary extension, set by the health director. The department may set reasonable program fees, and health insurers must cover the program, except specified supplemental policies. Exceptions include disease-only policies, hospital indemnity Medicare supplements, and other supplemental policies. The Department of Human Services pays for patients eligible for medical assistance. Without a third-party payer, the birth hospital or facility bears the charges but may bill the patient directly. A restricted newborn screening account holds program receipts and may receive other dedicated funds. The state treasurer pays out account funds on properly approved Health Department vouchers.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Rebecca M. Kislak

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 94 • No: 8

Senate vote • 6/18/2025

HEALTH/SAFETY - MATERNAL & CHILD HEALTH SERVICES FOR CHILDREN In Concurrence Passage

Yes: 36 • No: 1

House vote • 3/25/2025

CHILDREN/SPECIAL HEALTH NEEDS PASSAGE

Yes: 58 • No: 7

Actions Timeline

  1. Signed by Governor — Chapter 145

    6/24/2025Governor

  2. Transmitted to Governor

    6/18/2025Governor

  3. Senate passed in concurrence

    6/18/2025Senate

  4. Placed on Senate Calendar (06/18/2025)

    6/13/2025Senate

  5. Committee recommends passage in concurrence

    6/3/2025

  6. Scheduled for consideration (06/03/2025)

    5/30/2025

  7. Referred to Senate Health and Human Services

    5/2/2025Senate

  8. House read and passed

    3/25/2025House

  9. Placed on House Calendar (03/25/2025)

    3/21/2025House

  10. Committee recommends passage

    3/13/2025

  11. Scheduled for consideration (03/13/2025)

    3/7/2025

  12. Committee recommended measure be held for further study

    2/25/2025

  13. Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/25/2025)

    2/21/2025

  14. Introduced, referred to House Health & Human Services

    2/13/2025House

Bill Text

  • H5495 - As Introduced

    2/13/2025

    HTMLPDF

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