Senate passes Sosnowski bill to create medical school at University of Rhode Island

One step closer

The Senate passed legislation introduced by Sen. V. Susan Sosnowski that would establish a medical school at the University of Rhode Island. It’s part of the Senate’s 17-bill package of healthcare legislation centered on supporting Rhode Islanders in crisis, protecting patients and providers, and strengthening the state’s health workforce.

Last year, a special legislative commission undertook an independent feasibility study that recommended the establishment of a public, M.D.-granting medical education program at URI, and outlined a proposed four-year, five-phase plan that would culminate in the launch of the program’s charter class in autumn 2029.

The act (2026-S 3604) would establish the framework to create the medical school and provide an initial appropriation of $5 million as the first phase of a multi-year investment for its development.

“With Rhode Island facing a serious physician shortage, the recruitment and retention of doctors has become one of the state’s top priorities,” said Senator Sosnowski (D-Dist. 37, South Kingstown), who noted that by 2030, the state is projected to have a deficit of roughly 100 primary care providers. “URI has a good, solid foundation for establishing a medical school, and healthcare organizations are eager to partner with URI to create a community-based education model. This may be the most important investment the state makes in its future, its communities and its people.”

Ellijah McLean, manager of government relations and policy for United Way of Rhode Island, testified in support of the legislation, telling the Senate Committee on Health and Human Services that, “As of Dec. 31, 2025, Rhode Island had 17 Primary Care Health Professional Shortage Area designations affecting 257,218 residents; in those designated areas, only 74.29% of need is met, and 22 additional primary care practitioners are needed to remove the shortage designations. Strengthening an in-state physician pipeline is a practical long-term strategy to improve access to care and reduce pressure on higher-cost emergency settings.”

The funding would be used for operating expenses and salaries related to hiring a founding dean and senior leadership, recruitment of core faculty and administrative staff, accreditation preparation and compliance activities, and curriculum planning and institutional development.

The measure now moves to the House of Representatives, where companion legislation (2026-H 8389) has been introduced by Rep. Kathleen A. Fogarty (D-Dist. 35, South Kingstown).