Woonsocket Radio News Room

House OKs Fellela bill strengthening Ryan’s Law by adding probationary period for violators

 

STATE HOUSE — The House of Representatives today gave its approval to legislation introduced by Rep. Deborah A. Fellela (D-Dist. 43, Johnston) that strengthen Ryan’s Law, a measure that penalized prescribers who overmedicate with death resulting.

The original act introduced by Representative Fellela and passed by the General Assembly in 2021 increased the maximum fine amount for those found guilty of unprofessional conduct from $10,000 to $30,000. It also established a new chapter of the general laws that gives the Board of Medical Licensure and Discipline the authority to levy fines.

The legislation Representative Fellela introduced this year (2023-H 5163A) would require any licensing board responsible for governing professional conduct to also impose a probationary period of three years for any licensee found guilty of overprescribing with death resulting. A subsequent violation during the probationary period could result in a suspension or revocation of licensure.

Ryan’s Law was named in honor of Ryan Massemini, a Johnston man who died after being overprescribed medication to treat Huntington’s disease.

“We were successful two years ago in getting this legislation passed to have more accountability from doctors who overprescribe,” said Representative Fellela, who has known the Massemini family for years. “I’m glad to see this law strengthened further to continue to hold prescribers accountable.”

The measure now moves to the Senate for consideration.

 

Parts of Eastern Nebraska and northeast Texas are getting hit with tornadoes tonight. The National Weather Service says multiple tornadoes were spotted in Nebraska -- with one that tracked near Lincoln and west of Omaha. There is no word yet on damages or possible injuries.       Testimony from ex-National Enquirer publisher David Pecker is finished in Donald Trump's hush money criminal trial. Pecker gave details this week on how he protected Trump from negative stories leading up to the 2016 presidential election. Prosecutors are laying the groundwork that leads to cover up payments to adult film actress Stormy Daniels to keep her quiet about an alleged affair. That is the heart of the case against Trump, but his defense points out nothing Pecker did amounts to a crime.        Former President Trump says he's ready to debate President Biden as soon as tonight. In a social media post, Trump suggested the two debate "anywhere, anytime, anyplace" including out side the New York courthouse where the former president is on trial. The invitation comes after President Biden said he would debate Trump during an interview with radio host Howard Stern.        Hundreds of people across the U.S. have been arrested since protests erupted over the war in Gaza. Anti-Israel protests have sprung up across the country since the NYPD arrested over 100 demonstrators at Columbia University on April 18th. The New York Times says over 400 protesters have been arrested for refusing to disperse as tent cities pop up on more college campuses.        The U.S. is sending Ukraine its largest military aid package to date. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced a package worth six-billion-dollars today that will include munitions for Patriot missile defense systems. Austin thanked Congress for passing a massive foreign aid package that will help make it possible for Ukraine to fight off Russia's invasion.        It's a tripleheader in the NBA Playoffs tonight. In the first game, the Indiana Pacers are hosting the Milwaukee Bucks with their series tied at one game apiece. That game will be followed by the Los Angeles Clippers taking on the Mavericks in Dallas. That series is also tied at one-one. In the last game of the night, the Phoenix Suns will look to avoid going down three-games-to-none when they host the Minnesota Timberwolves.       

Old News Archives