Rhode Island · 2026 Regular Session · Bill
HB 8545: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- RHODE ISLAND PROGRAM TO ADDRESS ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE
Passed one chamber Official data
- Introduced
- In committee
- Passed one chamber
- Passed both chambers
- Enacted
Last official action: ·Record last updated:
Plain-language summary
HB 8545 is a bill introduced in the Rhode Island House on May 13, 2026. According to its official title, it concerns: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- RHODE ISLAND PROGRAM TO ADDRESS ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE. Primary sponsor: Edith Ajello (Democratic), Grace Diaz (Democratic), Pat Serpa (Democratic), Deb Fellela (Democratic), Susan Donovan (Democratic), Mary Ann Shallcross-Smith (Democratic), Brian Newberry (Republican), Brian Kennedy (Democratic), Joseph McNamara (Democratic), Mia Ackerman (Democratic). Most recent recorded action (June 9, 2026): 06/09/2026 Referred to Senate Health and Human Services.
Generated automatically from the official title, sponsor list, and status record only. It does not characterize the bill’s purpose or effects. How summaries are written
Official summary
Abstract published by the legislature (via Open States). Text as published by the legislature; reproduced verbatim.
Amends law to include all licensed physician assistants with licensed physicians and nurses required, each license renewal period, to complete a minimum of 1 hour of instruction on the diagnosis treatment, and care of patients with cognitive impairments.
Sponsors
Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 9 · Republican 1
| Name | Role | Party | Chamber | District |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Edith Ajello | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 1 |
| Grace Diaz | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 11 |
| Pat Serpa | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 27 |
| Deb Fellela | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 43 |
| Susan Donovan | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 69 |
| Mary Ann Shallcross-Smith | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 46 |
| Brian Newberry | Primary sponsor | Republican | House | 48 |
| Brian Kennedy | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 38 |
| Joseph McNamara | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 19 |
| Mia Ackerman | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 45 |
“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.
Recent official actions
- 06/09/2026 Referred to Senate Health and Human Services
- 06/09/2026 House passed as amended (floor amendment)
- 06/08/2026 Placed on House Calendar (06/09/2026)
- 06/08/2026 Committee recommends passage
- 06/05/2026 Scheduled for consideration (06/08/2026)
- 05/28/2026 Committee recommended measure be held for further study
- 05/22/2026 Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (05/28/2026)
- 05/13/2026 Introduced, referred to House Health & Human Services