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5/21/2026
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Senate passes McKenney resolution to create commission to study effect of medical malpractice on healthcare
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STATE HOUSE — The Senate today passed legislation introduced by Sen. Mark McKenney to create a commission to study the impact of medical malpractice on Rhode Island’s healthcare system. It’s part of the Senate’s 17-bill package of healthcare legislation centered on supporting Rhode Islanders in crisis, protecting patients and providers, and strengthening the state’s health workforce.
The resolution (2026-S 3063A) creates a 13-member special legislative commission whose purpose is to make a comprehensive study of Rhode Island medical malpractice lawsuits, claims, settlements, administrative filings and the related impact on medical malpractice insurance costs for providers. The commission will develop and submit its findings and recommendations to the Senate no later than Oct. 1, 2027.
“Malpractice lawsuits are a driver of insurance costs, and are having an impact on healthcare access and workforce stability,” said Senator McKenney (D-Dist. 30, Warwick). “This commission will study these complex issues and see if there are any reasonable solutions that would reduce the cost of healthcare in Rhode Island.”
Dr. Nadine Himelfarb, president of the Rhode Island Medical Society, testified in favor of the legislation, telling the Senate Committee on Health and Human Services, “Rhode Island’s medical liability environment has been a longstanding concern for physicians across specialties. Despite years of discussion, there have been limited meaningful changes, and in many respects, the challenges have grown. This environment continues to impact the recruitment and retention of physicians in our state and contributes to uncertainty in the practice of medicine.”
The panel will comprise three members of the Rhode Island Senate; one member of the Rhode Island House of Representatives; the executive director of the Rhode Island Medical Society, or designee; the executive director of the Rhode Island Association for Justice, or designee; the executive director of the Rhode Island Insurance Federation, or designee; the executive director of the Hospital Association of Rhode Island, or designee; two risk management specialists from a hospital or large medical practice; two members of the general public; and one patient advocate.
For more information, contact:
Daniel Trafford, Publicist
State House Room 20
Providence, RI 02903
(401)222-1922
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