State Legislation
Rhode Island
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As a service to our clients, CorVel is providing links to information related to the COVID-19 pandemic provided by the states.
Legislature Status: Session cancelled through April 17.
- State of Rhode Island Department of Health coronavirus resource page.
- April 14, 2020 – The Governor signed an executive order clarifying the state’s directive around face coverings. Beginning April 18:
- All employees of customer-facing businesses, office-based businesses, manufacturers and non-profits, must wear cloth face coverings while at work;
- All customer-facing businesses must take steps to remind customers to wear face coverings; and,
- Face coverings can include scarves, bandanas, and other homemade and non-factory-made masks.
- April 14, 2020 – The Governor announced that HealthSourceRI, the state-based health insurance exchange, is extending their special open enrollment period through April 30.
- April 13, 2020 – The Governor announced that Goldman Sachs committed $10 million for loans for small businesses in Rhode Island through a partnership with Rhode Island Commerce Corporation and with Community Reinvestment Fund.
- April 10, 2020 – The Governor announced several updates related to the state’s ongoing response efforts:
- Allowing the Department of Labor and Training to have access to the records of every person that has applied for unemployment insurance, speeding up their ability to process claims; and,
- Limiting capacity on all Public Transit Authority busses to no more than 15 passengers.
Legislation
- SR 2770 Requests that President Donald Trump declare a National Emergency for the Coronavirus Pandemic. Adopted.
Rhode Island Regulatory Updates 07/11/2024
HB 7173 – An Act Relating to Labor and Labor Relations — Workers’ Compensation — Benefits (Prevents Employers from Discriminating Against an Employee Because the Employee Has Exercised a Right and Worker’s Compensation Benefits.)
Issues: Workers’ Compensation (General)
Summary For 01/13/2024
This measure provides that an employee who sustains a work-related injury and is incapable of performing the essential functions of their job, or would be capable with reasonable accommodations, is entitled to worker’s compensation.
This measure prohibits employers from discrimination against an employee because the employee exercised their rights under the workers’ compensation statute. This measure authorizes workers who are impacted by a violation of this measure to initiate proceedings in the appropriate venue. Further, employers who are found to have violated this measure must pay the employee lost wage give the employee suitable employment; and reimburse reasonable attorneys fees as determined by the court.
This measure takes effect when passed.
Most Recent Update:
- 06/13/2024 – Failed Upon Adjournment
SB 2470 – An Act Relating to Labor and Labor Relations — Minimum Wages (Creates New Definition For the Term “Employee”, For Purposes of Wages, Workers’ Compensation, Temporary Disability and Unemployment Insurance Benefits, Which Deems a Worker to Be an Employee, As Opposed to an Independent Contractor.)
Issues: Workers’ Compensation (General)
Summary For 02/14/2024
For purposes of wages, workers’ compensation, temporary disability and unemployment insurance benefits, this measure creates a new definition for the term “employee”, which deems a worker to be an employee, as opposed to an independent contractor, unless three specific conditions are satisfied. Those three conditions are:
(i) The person is free from the control and direction of the hiring entity in connection with the performance of the work, both under the contract for the performance of the work and in fact;
(ii) The person performs work that is outside the usual course of the hiring entity’s business; and
(iii) The person is customarily engaged in an independently established trade, occupation, or business, of the same nature, as that involved in the work performed.
This measure takes effect upon passage.
Most Recent Update:
- 06/13/2024 – Failed Upon Adjournment
SB 2472 – An Act Relating to Labor and Labor Relations — Workers’ Compensation — General Provisions (Amends the Current Law on Workers’ Compensation to Require any Person Who Is Considered an Independent Contractor to File Annually With the Director of Labor and Training and Removes the Requirement That the Form Be In Writing.)
Issues: Workers’ Compensation (General)
Summary For 04/25/2024
This measure explains the requirements for an individual to be considered an independent contractor, and what to do to keep that designation as it relates to workers’ compensation. This measure requires the designation to continue in force and effect unless the person fails to submit an annual filing after receipt of a 20-day notice issued by the director for failure to file the annual designation.
This measure is effective upon passage
Most Recent Update:
- 06/17/2024 – Signed by Governor Daniel McKee (D)
HB 7837 – An Act Relating to Labor and Labor Relations — Workers’ Compensation — General Provisions (Amends the Current Law on Workers’ Compensation to Require any Person Who Is Considered an Independent Contractor to File Annually With the Director of Labor and Training and Removes the Requirement That the Form Be In Writing.)
Issues: Workers’ Compensation (General)
Summary For 05/29/2024
This measure affects independent contractors in Rhode Island. This measure requires independent contractors to file annual forms for each hiring entity that retains their services and removes an existing requirement that those forms be submitted in writing. The individual will be considered an independent contractor unless the individual fails to submit their annual filing within 20 days of receiving a notice from the director.
This measure goes into effect upon passage.
Most Recent Update:
- 06/17/2024 – Signed by Governor Daniel McKee (D
SB 2689 – An Act Relating to Labor and Labor Relations — Workers’ Compensation — General Provisions (Allows Employee Injured By Willful Misconduct of Employer to Receive Double the Remedy For Their Injuries. If an Employer Does Not Have Workers’ Comp Insurance, and Is Not Classified As an Exempt Employer, the Employee May File Actions Under This Title.)
Issues: Workers’ Compensation (General)
Summary For 03/05/2024
This measure applies to workers’ compensation. This measure allows an employee injured by the willful misconduct of an employer to receive double the remedy for their injuries. If an employer does not have workers’ compensation insurance and is not classified as an exempt employer, the employee may file actions under this title and may file a claim against any other party that caused the injury in a court of competent jurisdiction.
This measure is effective upon passage.
Most Recent Update:
- 06/13/2024 – Failed Upon Adjournment
HB 8262 – An Act Relating to Labor and Labor Relations — Workers’ Compensation — Benefits (Amends 4 Sections Relating to the Workers’ Compensation Benefits Dealing With Increasing the Amount of Dependent Benefits Payable to a Totally Disabled Employee Comprising This Year’s Annual Omnibus Bill.)
Issues: Workers’ Compensation (General)
Summary For 05/13/2024
This measure increases the supplemental workers’ compensation award for individuals with total incapacity to $25 for each person wholly dependent on the employee, to no more than $75 per week. It is increased to $40 for individuals receiving certain other benefits. It also requires the employer or insurer to make up 62% of the difference between an employee’s previous weekly wage and their wage under suitable alternative employment. It also allows court mediation over disputes concerning reimbursement.
It takes effect upon passage, with the new rates going into effect January 1, 2025.
Most Recent Update:
- 06/17/2024 – Signed by Governor Daniel McKee (D)
Rhode Island Regulatory Updates 04/11/2024
HB 7837 – An Act Relating to Labor and Labor Relations — Workers’ Compensation — General Provisions (Amends the Current Law on Workers’ Compensation to Require any Person Who Is Considered an Independent Contractor to File Annually With the Director of Labor and Training and Removes the Requirement That the Form Be In Writing.)
Issues: Workers’ Compensation (Medical Coverage And Reimbursement), Workers’ Compensation (General)
Summary For 03/06/2024
This measure affects independent contractors in Rhode Island.
Provisions
This measure requires independent contractors to file annual forms for each hiring entity that retains their services and removes an existing requirement that those forms be submitted in writing.
Effective Date
This measure is effective upon passage.
Most Recent Update:
03/27/2024 – This measure was heard on March 27 in the House Labor Committee, chaired by Arthur J. Corvese (D). This measure was held for further study.
This measure is eligible for further consideration in the committee of referral. A timeline may be established by the Chair.
Additional Outlook: During budget season the first motion in every committee meeting is typically to put all bills toward further study. This maneuver is used to entice members to cooperate on the budget. Once the budget is agreed upon, the flood gates will open in committees to release all of the bills moved to further study. This typically happens the last couple of weeks of session. Additionally, if leadership wants to pass a bill even if there is a day left in session, and even if it’s been “under further study,” it can easily be done; it is not out of the question for rules to be immediately suspended, a “committee meeting” to occur on a balcony, and then to pass the bill in both chambers in the timespan of 7 minutes.
Rhode Island Regulatory Updates 06/07/2023
SB 1045 – An Act Relating to Labor and Labor Relations — Workers’ Compensation–Procedure (For Purposes of Liability of Third Persons For Damages Relating to Claims For Workers Compensation, Provides That Reimbursement Not Be Provided For Certain Damages, and Reduces any Award By any Percentage of the Employees Comparative Negligence.)
Issues: Workers’ Compensation (Medical Coverage And Reimbursement), Workers’ Compensation (General)
Summary:
This measure specifies that awards for damages not fully covered by workers’ compensation are not reimbursed. It also clarifies that amounts reimbursed are reduced by employee’s comparative negligence. Disputes regarding reimbursement go to the court with jurisdiction regarding the
underlying third party claim. It takes effect upon enactment
Most Recent Update:
06/01/2023 – Hearing held; Held for further study
This measure was heard and held for further study on June 1 in the Senate Judiciary Committee, chaired by Senator Dawn Euer (D). The sponsor of this measure serves on the committee of referral. The measure is eligible for further consideration in the committee of referral. A timeline may be established by the Chair.
SB 1081 – An Act Relating to Labor and Labor Relations — Workers’ Compensation — Benefits (Amends Sections of Law Relative to Workers Compensation Benefits and Medical Services to Be Provided By the Employer, Employees Not Entitled to Compensation, and Additional Compensation For Specific Injuries.)
Issues: Workers’ Compensation (General)
Summary:
This measure imposes a $100 daily penalty for delinquent payments under workers’ compensation. It also removes a carve out specifying that no fee shall be paid for major surgery unless permission is first obtained, unless compliance proves fatal or detrimental to the employee. Finally, it allows overpayments of weekly benefits to be deducted from specific compensation benefits as agreed to by the parties or set by the courts. It takes effect upon enactment.
Most Recent Update:
05/31/2023 – Hearing held; Passed committee
This measure was heard and passed in the Senate Labor Committee on May 31.It awaits consideration in the Senate. Additional Outlook: This measure has a companion in HB 6461.
Rhode Island Regulatory Updates 04/20/2023
HB 6079 – An Act Relating to Labor and Labor Relations — Workers’ Compensation — Benefits (Prevents Employers from Discriminating Against an Employee Because the Employee Has Exercised a Right and Worker’s Compensation Benefits.)
Issues: Workers’ Compensation (Medical Coverage And Reimbursement), Workers’ Compensation (General)
Summary:
This measure prohibits discrimination in hiring or any other manner against an employee who has exercised their rights under the workers’ compensation act. It does so under penalty of backpay for lost wages, attorneys’ fees, etc. It takes effect upon enactment.
Most Recent Update:
03/15/2023 – This measure was heard on March 15 in the House Labor Committee. It was held for further study.
It awaits further consideration in the committee of referral.
SB 824 – An Act Relating to Labor and Labor Relations — Workers’ Compensation — Occupational Diseases (Establishes That any Public Safety Official/Enumerated Employee, Including Essential State Workers, Who Contract the Coronavirus (Covid-19) Shall Be Entitled to a Presumption That the Infection Was Caused As a Result of the Performance of Their Job Duties)
Issues: Workers’ Compensation (Medical Coverage And Reimbursement), Workers’ Compensation (Direction Of Care), Workers’ Compensation (General)
Summary:
This measure extends workers’ compensation benefits for Covid-19 to grocery store or retail workers, delivery employees, and various public employees, regardless of whether the worker is undocumented or not. It takes effect upon enactment.
Most Recent Update:
03/23/2026 –
This measure has been introduced and referred to the Senate Labor Committee, chaired by Senator Frank A. Ciccone, III (D). The sponsor serves on the committee of referral. The measure is eligible for consideration in the committee of referral. A timeline may be established by the Chair.
Rhode Island Regulatory Updates 03/06/2023
HB 5508 – An Act Relating to Labor and Labor Relations — Workers’ Compensation–Procedure (For Purposes of Liability of Third Persons For Damages Relating to Claims For Workers Compensation, Provides That Reimbursement Not Be Provided For Certain Damages, and Reduces any Award By any Percentage of the Employees Comparative Negligence.)
Issues: Workers’ Compensation (Medical Coverage And Reimbursement), Workers’ Compensation (General)
Summary:
This measure provides that workers’ compensation awards not fully compensated by workers’ compensation shall not be reimbursed. It also reduces awards by percentage of comparative negligence. It takes effect upon enactment.
Most Recent Update:
02/10/2023 – This measure has been introduced and referred to the House Judiciary Committee, chaired by Representative Robert Craven (D). The sponsor does not serve on the committee of referral. The measure is eligible for consideration in the committee of referral. A timeline may be established by the Chair.
HB 5585 – An Act Relating to Labor and Labor Relations — Workers’ Compensation — Benefits (Requires the Employer’s Workers’ Compensation Insurance Carrier to Cover All of an Employee’S Associated Medical Expenses from any Adverse Medical Event Resulting from the Employer Mandating That the Employee Receive the Covid-19 Vaccine.)
Issues: Workers’ Compensation (Medical Coverage And Reimbursement), Workers’ Compensation (Direction Of Care), Workers’ Compensation (General)
Summary:
This measure requires workers’ compensation coverage for adverse effects stemming from an employer mandated COVID-19 vaccine. It takes effect upon enactment.
Most Recent Update:
03/01/2026 – This measure has been scheduled for a hearing on March 1 in the House Committee on Labor, chaired by Representative Arthur J. Corvese (D). The sponsor does not serve on the committee of referral. The Rhode Island legislature is meeting in person for the 2023 legislative session. Anyone wishing to testify may do so by submitting testimony on the committee’s website. Testimony must be submitted in advance of the hearing. A vote may occur at the discretion of the Chair.
SB 421 – An Act Relating to Labor and Labor Relations — Workers’ Compensation — Benefits (Requires the Employer’s Workers’ Compensation Insurance Carrier to Cover All of an Employee’s Associated Medical Expenses from any Adverse Medical Event Resulting from the Employer Mandating That the Employee Receive the Covid-19 Vaccine.)
Issues: Workers’ Compensation (Medical Coverage And Reimbursement), Workers’ Compensation (CoVid-19), Workers’ Compensation (General)
Summary:
This measure amends certain provisions relating to medical services provided by an employer. This measure establishes that where an employee receives a COVID-19 vaccine in compliance with an employer’s mandate, and the employee, thereafter suffers an adverse medical event resulting from the vaccination, all associated medical expenses shall be paid by workers’ compensation insurance. This measure will take effect upon passage.
Most Recent Update:
02/16/2026 – This measure has been introduced and referred to the Senate Labor Committee, chaired by Senator Frank A. Ciccone, III. The sponsor does not serve on the committee of referral.The measure is eligible for consideration in the committee of referral. A timeline may be established by the Chair.
Rhode Island Regulatory Updates 08/03/2020
HB 8085
Issues: Workers’ Compensation (Medical Coverage And Reimbursement), Workers’ Compensation (Direction Of Care), Workers’ Compensation (General)
Summary:
The measure is applicable to employees, uninsured employers, health care providers, and health insurance plans.
The measure stipulates the worker’s compensation court will hear all petitions for payment from the fund, provided that any petition for the commencement of compensation benefits filed against the uninsured protection fund must be accompanied or preceded by a separate petition for the commencement of compensation benefits timely filed against the uninsured unless the petition to be filed against the uninsured employer is otherwise enjoined or prevented by law.
The measure stipulates in the case that the uninsured employer makes payment of any monies to the employee to compensate the employee in any way for the alleged work injury lost wages or medical expenses, the fund must be entitled to a credit for all amounts received by, or on behalf of, the employee, including, but not limited to, amounts paid to the employee by any other party for the employee’s lost wages against any future benefits payable directly to the employee.
The measure amends the amount to $30, in which a health care provider may charge the insurer or self-insured employer for the notification of compensable injury forms or notice of release forms for affidavits filed pursuant to the measure
The measure amends the number of weeks to 10 weeks from the date of injury, then every 10 weeks thereafter until maximum medical improvement, for any physician or health care provider must file an itemized bill and an affidavit with the insurer, the employee, the employee’s attorney, and the medical advisory board.
The measure reduces the frequency to ten weeks for which an employee’s medical provider must render a status report, concerning their anticipated medical treatment plans, an itemization of their work restrictions and capabilities, and if they have reached maximum medical improvement.
The measure took effect on July 22, 2020.
Most Recent Update: This measure has been signed by Governor Gina Raimondo (D). This measure went into effect on July 22, 2020.
SB 2915
Issues: Workers’ Compensation (Medical Coverage And Reimbursement), Workers’ Compensation (Direction Of Care), Workers’ Compensation (General)
Summary:
The measure is applicable to employees, uninsured employers, health care providers, and health insurance plans.
The measure stipulates the worker’s compensation court will hear all petitions for payment from the fund, provided that any petition for the commencement of compensation benefits filed against the uninsured protection fund must be accompanied or preceded by a separate petition for the commencement of compensation benefits timely filed against the uninsured unless the petition to be filed against the uninsured employer is otherwise enjoined or prevented by law.
The measure stipulates in the case that the uninsured employer makes payment of any monies to the employee to compensate the employee in any way for the alleged work injury lost wages or medical expenses, the fund must be entitled to a credit for all amounts received by, or on behalf of, the employee, including, but not limited to, amounts paid to the employee by any other party for the employee’s lost wages against any future benefits payable directly to the employee.
The measure amends the amount to $30, in which a health care provider may charge the insurer or self-insured employer for the notification of compensable injury forms or notice of release forms for affidavits filed pursuant to the measure
The measure amends the number of weeks to 10 weeks from the date of injury, then every 10 weeks thereafter until maximum medical improvement, for any physician or health care provider must file an itemized bill and an affidavit with the insurer, the employee, the employee’s attorney, and the medical advisory board.
The measure reduces the frequency to ten weeks for which an employee’s medical provider must render a status report, concerning their anticipated medical treatment plans, an itemization of their work restrictions and capabilities, and if they have reached maximum medical improvement.
The measure took effect on July 22, 2020.
Most Recent Update: This measure has passed the Senate. This measure awaits further consideration in the House.
Rhode Island Services
- Workers’ compensation claims administration
- Medical bill review in compliance with state requirements
- Local PPO development and management
- Case management services
Rhode Island Resources
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