2026 -- S 2853

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LC004975

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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 HEALTH AND SAFETY -- LICENSING OF HEALTHCARE FACILITIES

     Introduced By: Senators Murray, Valverde, Gu, Urso, DiMario, Mack, Euer, Lauria,
Ujifusa, and Vargas

     Date Introduced: March 04, 2026

     Referred To: Senate Health & Human Services

     It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

     SECTION 1. Section 23-17-26 of the General Laws in Chapter 23-17 entitled "Licensing

of Healthcare Facilities" is hereby amended to read as follows:

     23-17-26. Emergency health care.

     (a) Every healthcare facility that has an emergency medical-care unit, including

freestanding emergency-care facilities, shall provide to every person prompt, life-saving, medical-

care treatment in an emergency, and a sexual-assault examination for victims of sexual assault,

without discrimination on account of economic status or source of payment, and without delaying

treatment for the purpose of a prior discussion of the source of payment unless the delay can be

imposed without material risk to the health of the person.

     (b) Every healthcare facility as provided in subsection (a) of this section that provides

emergency treatment to a victim of sexual assault shall promptly provide:

     (1) Medically and factually accurate and objective written information prepared by the

director of the department of health about emergency contraception;

     (2) Information about the availability of emergency contraception; and

     (3) Upon request by the victim, emergency contraception.

     (b)(c) Violations of this section shall be reported to the director of the state department of

health who shall investigate the violations as the director deems appropriate.

     (d) The director of the department of health may promulgate rules, regulations, and/or

guidance to carry out the provisions of this section.

     SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.

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EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

A N   A C T

RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- LICENSING OF HEALTHCARE FACILITIES

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     This act would require hospital emergency rooms and free-standing emergency care

facilities to offer and provide pregnancy prevention medication to victims of sexual assault.

     This act would take effect upon passage.

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