HOUSE RESOLUTION REQUESTING THAT A CONDITION PRECEDENT BE PLACED ON ALL FUTURE STATE FUNDING OR GRANT ASSISTANCE TO BROWN UNIVERSITY HEALTH AND AFFILIATED ENTITIES TO ENSURE MAINTENANCE OF THE NEWPORT HOSPITAL BIRTHING CENTER (This resolution would condition the distribution of any state funds to Brown University Health on the continued operation of a birthing center in the city of Newport.)

Plain-English Summary

This resolution asks the Rhode Island state government to attach a condition to any future funding or grants given to Brown University Health (the hospital system that operates Newport Hospital): the money would only flow if Brown University Health keeps a birthing center — a facility where mothers can give birth and receive maternity care — up and running in the city of Newport. Essentially, it would make continued state financial support dependent on Brown University Health not closing or eliminating that service.

The resolution appears to be a direct response to concerns that the Newport Hospital birthing center could be reduced or shut down. By tying state dollars to the center's continued operation, the Rhode Island House of Representatives would be using its financial leverage to pressure Brown University Health to maintain maternity services in that community. It is important to note that this is a resolution, not a law — meaning it expresses the legislature's intent and requests this condition be applied, but does not on its own have the binding legal force of a statute.

This bill most directly affects residents of Newport and surrounding communities who rely on having a local place to give birth, as well as expectant mothers who might otherwise face longer travel times to access maternity care if the center were to close. It also affects Brown University Health, which receives state funding and would need to factor this condition into any decisions about its services. The bill is currently under review by the House Health & Human Services Committee.