The bill establishes a new chapter in Title 40 of the General Laws, titled "THUNDERMIST FAMILY MEDICINE RESIDENCY PROGRAM." It appropriates the sum of five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000) annually for the fiscal year 2026 and every fiscal year thereafter to support the Thundermist family medicine residency program. The funds are designated for operational and educational activities, which include, but are not limited to, the recruitment and retention of residents and faculty, the development and implementation of an innovative curriculum focused on primary care and community health, the expansion of clinical training sites in underserved and rural areas, the acquisition of necessary equipment and resources to enhance training and patient care, and support for administrative functions and program evaluation.

The bill also includes reporting requirements, mandating that the Thundermist family medicine residency program submit an annual report to the General Assembly and the Department of Health. This report must detail the use of state funds, program outcomes, and its impact on addressing the primary care needs of Rhode Island residents. Specifically, the report shall include the number of residents trained and their subsequent practice locations (as applicable), 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.