HOUSE RESOLUTION CREATING A SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION TO STUDY AND PROVIDE RECOMMENDATIONS AND COMMENTS FOR HEALTHCARE LIABILITY REFORM (This resolution creates a 15 member special legislative commission to study and provide recommendations and comments for healthcare liability reform, and who would report back to the House by January 1, 2025, and expire on February 1, 2025.)
The resolution specifically acknowledges the projected physician shortage in Rhode Island, which could range from 37,800 to 124,000 by the year 2034. This drastic decline is expected to worsen the already limited access to healthcare. By forming a commission that includes various stakeholders from the medical community to governmental organizations, the bill aims to ensure that comprehensive strategies are developed to mitigate these impacts and improve healthcare delivery.
House Bill H7093 is a resolution aimed at addressing the challenges faced in the healthcare sector in Rhode Island by creating a special legislative commission. This commission is tasked with studying the impact of medical professional liability on the medical workforce and the accessibility of quality healthcare in the state. The ongoing issues such as financial challenges and staffing shortages in healthcare are highlighted as significant barriers to maintaining quality healthcare services in Rhode Island.
One of the notable points of contention surrounding the resolution is the increasing professional liability exposure, which is stated to adversely affect healthcare providers' willingness to practice in the state. Critics of the current liability framework argue that it exacerbates staffing issues and threatens the financial viability of hospitals and health systems that are crucial to public health in Rhode Island. As the commission is formed and recommendations are made, the resulting discussions could potentially lead to significant amendments in state law regarding healthcare liability.