Rhode Island legislation · 2026 Regular Session
Rhode Island H7933: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- OFFICE OF STATE MEDICAL EXAMINERS (Clarifies and updates language in the office of state
Status: Signed into law, June 10, 2026
AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- OFFICE OF STATE MEDICAL EXAMINERS (Clarifies and updates language in the office of state medical examiners statute to address outdated or ambiguous language, outdated practices, outdated position titles/qualifications, and ensures compliance with federal HIPAA requirements.)
What the bill says
To amend the findings and conclusions of a death certificate (2) Clearly describe the requested amendment; (3) State the reason for the change; and (4) Provide a return address. (d) Members of the commission shall be removable by the governor pursuant to the provisions of § 36-1-7 of the general laws and for cause only, and removal solely for partisan or personal reasons unrelated to capacity or fitness for the office shall be unlawful. Within sixty (60) days of receiving the request in writing, the chief medical examiner shall provide the person of interest written notice of the action taken.
From the introduced text, February 27, 2026:
to amend the findings and conclusions of a death certificate (2) Clearly describe the requested amendment; (3) State the reason for the change; and (4) Provide a return address. (d) Members of the commission shall be removable by the governor pursuant to the provisions of § 36-1-7 of the general laws and for cause only, and removal solely for partisan or personal reasons unrelated to capacity or fitness for the office shall be unlawful. Within sixty (60) days of receiving the request in writing, the chief medical examiner shall provide the person of interest written notice of the action taken. (e) Within ninety (90) days after the end of each fiscal year, the commission shall approve and submit an annual report to the governor, the speaker of the house of representatives, the president of the senate, and the secretary of state, of its activities during that fiscal year. The report shall provide an operating statement summarizing meetings or hearings held, including meeting minutes, subjects addressed, decisions rendered, appeals considered and their disposition, rules or regulations promulgated, studies conducted, policies and plans developed, approved, or modified, and programs administered or initiated; a consolidated financial statement of all funds received and expended including the source of the funds, a listing of any staff supported by these funds, and a summary of any …