The Special Legislative Commission in Rhode Island has conducted a thorough review of the state's Health and Human Services programs, holding nine meetings to understand the structure and services of the Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS) and its sub-agencies. The Commission's findings include a recommendation to reorganize the state's health system by creating a separate Department of Hospitals. This new department would encompass both campuses of Eleanor Slater Hospital, the Rhode Island Veterans Home, and the upcoming Rhode Island Psychiatric Hospital, with the goal of improving leadership and management by those with specialized hospital skills.

The Rhode Island Senate has resolved to request that the EOHHS conduct a detailed review and analysis on the feasibility of establishing this proposed Department of Hospitals. The Senate has asked for a report on the findings and recommendations to be delivered by September 1, 2024. Additionally, the Secretary of State has been directed to send a certified copy of this resolution to the Secretary of the EOHHS, ensuring that the request for analysis and subsequent reporting is formally communicated.