Rhode Island · 2026 Regular Session · Bill
SB 2859: AN ACT RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS -- PHYSICIAN ASSISTANTS
In committee Official data
- Introduced
- In committee
- Passed one chamber
- Passed both chambers
- Enacted
Last official action: ·Record last updated:
Plain-language summary
SB 2859 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 -- PHYSICIAN ASSISTANTS. Primary sponsor: Ryan Pearson (Democratic), Lou DiPalma (Democratic), Jonathon Acosta (Democratic), Meghan Kallman (Democratic), Dawn Euer (Democratic), Bridget Valverde (Democratic), Melissa Murray (Democratic), Sam Zurier (Democratic), Pam Lauria (Democratic), Alana DiMario (Democratic). Most recent recorded action (March 31, 2026): 03/31/2026 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.
Creates a Rhode Island specialty license for physician assistants who earn the NCCPA psychiatry CAQ, formally recognizing advanced behavioral health qualifications and supporting appropriate insurance reimbursement.
Sponsors
Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 10
| Name | Role | Party | Chamber | District |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ryan Pearson | Primary sponsor | Democratic | Senate | 19 |
| Lou DiPalma | Primary sponsor | Democratic | Senate | 12 |
| Jonathon Acosta | Primary sponsor | Democratic | Senate | 16 |
| Meghan Kallman | Primary sponsor | Democratic | Senate | 15 |
| Dawn Euer | Primary sponsor | Democratic | Senate | 13 |
| Bridget Valverde | Primary sponsor | Democratic | Senate | 35 |
| Melissa Murray | Primary sponsor | Democratic | Senate | 24 |
| Sam Zurier | Primary sponsor | Democratic | Senate | 3 |
| Pam Lauria | Primary sponsor | Democratic | Senate | 32 |
| Alana DiMario | Primary sponsor | Democratic | Senate | 36 |
“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.
Recent official actions
- 03/31/2026 Committee recommended measure be held for further study
- 03/27/2026 Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/31/2026)
- 03/04/2026 Introduced, referred to Senate Health and Human Services