S.2054

Provides that statements by a health care provider regarding the unanticipated outcome of a patient's medical care and treatment shall be inadmissible as evidence of an admission of liability or as evidence of an admission.

Chamber Passed·6/3/26

Rhode Island S2054 makes statements of apology or sympathy by healthcare providers inadmissible as evidence of liability in legal cases.

Rhode Island S2054 amends the state's laws on evidence to prevent statements by healthcare providers expressing apology, regret, or sympathy for an unanticipated outcome from being used as evidence of liability in legal cases. This applies to any statements made to the patient, the patient's relatives, or the patient's legal representatives. The act clarifies that such statements are not admissible as evidence of an admission of liability or against interest, though they remain admissible for other purposes.

Included in complete analysis

  • Overview
  • Core Provisions
  • Implementation
  • Impact
  • Legal Framework
  • Critical Issues

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Where it stands

Last
Passed the Senate · 32–5 · Jun 3
Current
Judiciary Committee
Next
Session adjourned — paused until it reconvenes

Sponsors

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10
0
Democratic CaucusRepublican Caucus

Roll Call Votes

32 Yea

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5 Nay

RRRDR

1 Not Voting

D

Calendar

May 26

12:00 AM

Senate Judiciary Consideration

May 7

12:00 AM

Senate Judiciary Hearing

History

Jun 4

House

Referred to House Judiciary

Jun 3

Senate

Senate passed Sub A

May 27

Senate

Placed on Senate Calendar (06/03/2026)