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Rhode Island
Governor McKee Enacts Sweeping Health Care Reforms in Rhode Island – Newport Buzz
In a move to enhance health care accessibility and protect patient rights, Governor Dan McKee ceremonially signed a series of seven bills into law on Friday. The legislative package, aimed at improving health outcomes, expanding access to care, and fortifying patient protections across Rhode Island, marks a pivotal step in the state’s ongoing efforts to reform its health care system.
“This comprehensive legislative package speaks to the commitment Rhode Island is making to improve health outcomes, strengthen our health care workforce, and protect patients,” said Governor McKee at the event. “I thank all legislative sponsors for their dedication to making the lives of Rhode Islanders easier and healthier.”
The legislative package, lauded by lawmakers and health professionals alike, addresses a broad spectrum of issues from medical debt and mental health support to professional licensing and patient rights.
Senator Joshua Miller (D-Cranston, Providence), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Health & Human Services, emphasized the urgency of the reforms. “Strengthening our health care system has never been more urgent, and action is essential to ensure that quality care is accessible and affordable for all Rhode Islanders,” Miller stated.
Among the newly signed bills is a measure prohibiting the reporting of medical debt to credit bureaus, a step aimed at shielding patients from financial harm while they navigate the complexities of health care expenses. Another critical component of the package includes Rhode Island’s participation in several interstate compacts, which will facilitate easier access to services such as mental health support, professional counseling, and occupational therapy.
Senator Pamela J. Lauria (D-Barrington, Bristol, East Providence), who played a key role in the legislative process, highlighted the pressing need for these changes. “Through the legislation being celebrated today, we are taking critical steps to increase provider availability and care quality, contain costs, and protect consumers,” she said.
The bills also address the health care workforce shortage, with provisions that streamline licensing processes for nurses and other health professionals. Additionally, a measure to end the practice of “white bagging,” where insurers restrict patients to using insurer-affiliated pharmacies, was also included in the package, giving patients greater freedom to choose where they fill their prescriptions.
“We know that when people are healthy, they have the potential to live happier and fuller lives,” said Richard Charest, Secretary of the Rhode Island Executive Office of Health and Human Services. “This bill package will ensure we bolster our health workforce, expand services, and, overall, make healthcare in Rhode Island more accessible to those who need it.”
The passage of these reforms underscores Rhode Island’s commitment to ensuring that all residents have access to high-quality, affordable health care, a priority that lawmakers vow to continue advancing in the years to come.
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Good morning! Happy Thursday! Today will be pretty unsettled with the chance for showers and t’storms. Friday will still be damp with showers and drizzle, but the weekend still looks amazing!
The one good thing with the rain, for allergy sufferers at least, the pollen levels will be lower. In fact, both today and tomorrow, the tree pollen counts will be low locally. Do expect a spike in the pollen count for Saturday and Sunday with the dry weather.
INTERACTIVE RADAR: Live Pinpoint Weather 12 Radar »
“https://www.wpri.com/weather-now/weather-now-for-thu-5-14-26/” FLIGHT TRACKER
“https://www.wpri.com/weather-now/weather-now-for-thu-5-14-26/” POWER OUTAGES
TODAY
Hour-by-hour forecast for today…
We’ll have some showers around during the morning commute today, but the greatest chance for showers and t’storms will be after 9AM and before 5PM.
Showers and thunderstorms could slow travel around mid-day. Rain could fall heavily at times.
A line of showers and t’storms will be sweeping across the area through the afternoon as a slow-moving weather systems moves through the region.
Highs today will be in the upper 50s to lower 60s with southeast to east winds of 5-15mph.
“https://www.wpri.com/weather-now/weather-now-for-thu-5-14-26/” BEACH AND BOATING FORECASTS
TONIGHT
Showers are still possible this evening; although they won’t be as numerous.
TOMORROW
That low center will be nearby Friday morning, and we’ll be stuck with a damp, cool windflow. Expect drizzle and showers in the morning and possibly some lingering showers in the afternoon.
Highs Friday will only be in the 50s. The average high this time of year is in the upper 60s.
LOOKING AHEAD
Then…there’s the weekend. Saturday looks amazing with lots of sunshine and dry weather. It’ll be warmer, too, with highs in the 70s.
-Meteorologist T.J. Del Santo
T.J. Del Santo (tdelsanto@wpri.com) is the weekday morning and noon meteorologist for 12 News. Connect with him on Facebook and Twitter and Instagram and Threads and BlueSky.
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The Rhode Island Department of Health issued an overdose spike alert for Johnston and North Providence.
Health officials said over the past week, five Johnston and North Providence residents received medical care for a drug overdose.
According to RIDOH, these municipalities have historically lower overdose rates than the statewide average.
BE THE FIRST TO COMMENT
Residents can visit Prevent Overdose RI connect with community harm reduction organizations and find treatment.
The Rhode Island Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big.
Here’s a look at May 12, 2026, results for each game:
Winning Mega Millions numbers from May 12 drawing
17-32-35-40-47, Mega Ball: 17
Check Mega Millions payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Numbers numbers from May 12 drawing
Midday: 1-5-2-0
Evening: 1-6-0-3
Check Numbers payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Wild Money numbers from May 12 drawing
23-27-29-31-35, Extra: 12
Check Wild Money payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Millionaire for Life numbers from May 12 drawing
19-21-35-38-53, Bonus: 01
Check Millionaire for Life payouts and previous drawings here.
Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results
Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your prize
- Prizes less than $600 can be claimed at any Rhode Island Lottery Retailer. Prizes of $600 and above must be claimed at Lottery Headquarters, 1425 Pontiac Ave., Cranston, Rhode Island 02920.
- Mega Millions and Powerball jackpot winners can decide on cash or annuity payment within 60 days after becoming entitled to the prize. The annuitized prize shall be paid in 30 graduated annual installments.
- Winners of the Millionaire for Life top prize of $1,000,000 a year for life and second prize of $100,000 a year for life can decide to collect the prize for a minimum of 20 years or take a lump sum cash payment.
When are the Rhode Island Lottery drawings held?
- Powerball: 10:59 p.m. ET on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
- Mega Millions: 11:00 p.m. ET on Tuesday and Friday.
- Lucky for Life: 10:30 p.m. ET daily.
- Millionaire for Life: 11:15 p.m. ET daily.
- Numbers (Midday): 1:30 p.m. ET daily.
- Numbers (Evening): 7:29 p.m. ET daily.
- Wild Money: 7:29 p.m. ET on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.
This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Rhode Island editor. You can send feedback using this form.
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