The bill proposes an amendment to the "Stay Invested in RI Wavemaker Fellowships" section of the Rhode Island General Laws by adding a new definition for "primary care" within the existing definitions section. The new language defines "primary care" as healthcare services that encompass prevention, wellness, and treatment for common illnesses and injuries, including initial treatment approaches and long-term patient-healthcare professional relationships. This definition may include family medicine, general internal medicine, or general medical practice. The insertion of this definition as a new subsection (11) pushes the subsequent definitions down by one, renumbering them accordingly.
The purpose of the bill is to clarify the scope of primary care within the context of the Wavemaker Fellowships, which provide tax credits to eligible graduates who work in certain fields in Rhode Island. The bill specifies that the new definition of "primary care" is to be included in the eligibility requirements for applicants seeking an award under this chapter. The act would take effect immediately upon passage, indicating the legislature's intent for the definition to be applied to the Wavemaker Fellowships without delay.
Statutes affected: 2717 SUB A: 42-64.26-3