URI medical school proposal passes Rhode Island Senate

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — The Rhode Island Senate passed legislation that would create a medical school at the University of Rhode Island (URI) as part of a broader package of healthcare bills aimed at addressing workforce shortages across the state.

The proposal, introduced by Senator V. Susan Sosnowski (D-Dist. 37, South Kingstown), would establish the framework for a public medical school at URI and provide an initial $5 million appropriation to begin development of the program. Lawmakers said the funding would support early planning efforts, including leadership recruitment, staffing, accreditation preparation and curriculum development.

Supporters of the legislation said Rhode Island continues to face a shortage of physicians, particularly in primary care. A feasibility study completed last year recommended creating a public M.D.-granting program at URI and outlined a multi-phase plan that could lead to the first class of medical students beginning in 2029.

According to testimony presented during the legislative process, several areas of Rhode Island remain federally designated primary care shortage areas, affecting hundreds of thousands of residents. Backers of the proposal said establishing an in-state medical school could help strengthen the physician pipeline and improve long-term access to healthcare services.

The measure now heads to the House of Representatives, where companion legislation has also been introduced by Representative Kathleen A. Fogarty (D-Dist. 35, South Kingstown).