01/03/2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Rhode Island Receives Rural Health Transformation Funding Following Workforce Development Commitments
Providence, R.I. (December 30, 2025) – The Rhode Island Academy of Physician Assistants (RIAPA) welcomed the announcement that Rhode Island has been awarded funding through the federal Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP), a multi-year initiative directing up to $50 billion nationally to help states strengthen rural healthcare delivery. Rhode Island is expected to receive $156,169,931, supporting targeted reforms designed to expand access, improve outcomes, and strengthen the healthcare workforce.
In its application to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), the state identified steps it plans to take to improve care delivery by joining the physician associate (PA) compact.
“This award reflects the federal government’s clear encouragement for states to modernize how care teams operate, and we are encouraged that Rhode Island is stepping forward with specific actions to strengthen PA practice laws as part of this effort,” said RIAPA President Chris Ferreira, PA-C.
CMS has emphasized that reforms enabling providers to practice at the top of their license and improving licensure portability are among the most effective tools states can use to expand rural access and strengthen workforce capacity. By naming these actions, Rhode Island positioned itself as a competitive applicant and demonstrated readiness to translate federal investment into meaningful change.
“PAs are one of the fastest-growing healthcare professions in the country, with more than 600 PAs practicing in Rhode Island and thousands more serving rural and underserved communities nationwide,” Ferreira added. “Ensuring PAs can fully utilize their education and training is essential to meeting rising patient demand, especially as rural communities continue to face persistent workforce shortages.”
RIAPA applauds state leaders for recognizing that modernizing PA practice laws is not only aligned with federal priorities, but also critical to ensuring patients can access timely, high-quality care close to home.
As the Rural Health Transformation Program moves into implementation, RIAPA looks forward to working with policymakers, agencies, and health systems to support these commitments and ensure the full healthcare workforce is positioned to meet the needs of communities across Rhode Island.
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About the Rhode Island Academy of Physician Assistants (RIAPA)
RIAPA’s mission is to empower physician assistants through advocacy and education; providing resources for PAs as well as the community in the pursuit of excellence for team-based medicine.
American Academy of Physician Associates
