Rhode Island · 2026 Regular Session · Bill
SB 2851: AN ACT RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS -- PHARMACISTS TEST-AND-TREAT AUTHORITY ACT
In committee Official data
- Introduced
- In committee
- Passed one chamber
- Passed both chambers
- Enacted
Last official action: ·Record last updated:
Plain-language summary
SB 2851 is a bill introduced in the Rhode Island Senate on March 4, 2026. According to its official title, it concerns: AN ACT RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS -- PHARMACISTS TEST-AND-TREAT AUTHORITY ACT. Primary sponsor: Lou DiPalma (Democratic), Ryan Pearson (Democratic), Lori Urso (Democratic), Meghan Kallman (Democratic), Tiara Mack (Democratic), Lammis Vargas (Democratic), Melissa Murray (Democratic), Bridget Valverde (Democratic), Alana DiMario (Democratic), Pam Lauria (Democratic). Most recent recorded action (April 30, 2026): 04/30/2026 Committee recommended measure be held for further study.
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.
Authorizes pharmacists to order, perform and interpret CLIA-waived tests authorized by statewide protocol and prescribe medications, and permits coverage by all health insurance carriers.
Sponsors
Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 10
| Name | Role | Party | Chamber | District |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lou DiPalma | Primary sponsor | Democratic | Senate | 12 |
| Ryan Pearson | Primary sponsor | Democratic | Senate | 19 |
| Lori Urso | Primary sponsor | Democratic | Senate | 8 |
| Meghan Kallman | Primary sponsor | Democratic | Senate | 15 |
| Tiara Mack | Primary sponsor | Democratic | Senate | 6 |
| Lammis Vargas | Primary sponsor | Democratic | Senate | 28 |
| Melissa Murray | Primary sponsor | Democratic | Senate | 24 |
| Bridget Valverde | Primary sponsor | Democratic | Senate | 35 |
| Alana DiMario | Primary sponsor | Democratic | Senate | 36 |
| Pam Lauria | Primary sponsor | Democratic | Senate | 32 |
“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.
Recent official actions
- 04/30/2026 Committee recommended measure be held for further study
- 04/24/2026 Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (04/30/2026)
- 03/04/2026 Introduced, referred to Senate Health and Human Services