The bill establishes a new chapter in Title 40 of the General Laws, specifically creating Chapter 8.16, which is dedicated to the Thundermist Family Medicine Residency Program. It mandates the appropriation of $500,000 annually, starting in fiscal year 2026, to support the program's operational and educational activities. The funding aims to enhance recruitment and retention of residents and faculty, develop and implement innovative curricula focused on primary care and community health, expand clinical training sites in underserved and rural areas, acquire necessary equipment and resources to enhance training and patient care, and support administrative functions and program evaluation. The funds will be administered by the Department of Health in collaboration with the Thundermist Health Center.

Additionally, the bill outlines reporting requirements for the Thundermist Family Medicine Residency Program, which must submit an annual report to the General Assembly and the Department of Health. This report will detail the use of state funds, program outcomes, and its impact on addressing the primary care needs of Rhode Island residents. It will include information on the number of residents trained and their subsequent practice locations, a summary of program activities and curriculum enhancements, a financial statement detailing the use of state funds, and an evaluation of the program's impact on healthcare access and outcomes in Rhode Island. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.