Senate approves primary care scholarship program

State House – The Senate today approved legislation sponsored by Sen. Pamela J. Lauria to establish a scholarship program for students who commit to working as a primary care provider in Rhode Island.

The legislation, which is part of a broader effort by lawmakers to address Rhode Island’s shortage of primary care providers, is included in the Senate’s 17-bill package of legislation centered on supporting Rhode Islanders in crisis, protecting patients and providers, and strengthening the state’s health workforce.

“Many young providers turn to more profitable specialties instead of primary care because of the heavy load of student debt they are carrying when they leave school. Offering this scholarship, tied to commitment to serve patients here in Rhode Island, is a good incentive that will relieve their burden and help provide Rhode Islanders with the primary care we desperately need,” said Senator Lauria (D-Dist. 32, Barrington, Bristol, East Providence), who has been a primary care nurse practitioner for more than 25 years.

The bill (2026 S-2101) creates a program to be administered by the Department of Health in consultation with the commissioner of post-secondary education that would be open to candidates enrolled in a medical school, nursing school or a physician assistant program who have a strong interest in primary care.

The legislation now goes to the House of Representatives, where Rep. Kathleen A. Fogarty (D-Dist. 35, South Kingstown) is sponsoring companion legislation (2026-H 7503).