Governor McKee Signs Legislation to Support Sale of Roger Williams Medical Center and Fatima Hospital
Published on Wednesday, February 11, 2026
Legislation establishes $18 million fund to support potential buyer Centurion in closing the transaction, contingent upon Centurion securing financing
PROVIDENCE, RI – Governor Dan McKee today signed legislation to support the sale of Roger Williams Medical Center and Fatima Hospital by creating an $18-million fund to assist potential buyer Centurion in closing the transaction, contingent upon Centurion securing outside financing.
The Governor was joined by bill sponsors Representative Scott Slater and Senate Finance Chairman Louis DiPalma, Executive Office of Health and Human Services Secretary Richard Charest, and Department of Health Director Jerome Larkin. Additionally, United Nurses & Allied Professionals President, Lynn Blais, and Chris Callaci, General Counsel, were in attendance, along with CharterCARE CEO Jeff Liebman.
“Keeping Fatima and Roger Williams open is my top priority—for both the communities these hospitals serve and the dedicated professionals who care for their patients,” said Governor Dan McKee. “My team has worked closely with the Attorney General’s Office and the General Assembly, and we will continue to work together to assure the long-term viability of these critical hospitals.”
“A potential closure of Fatima and Roger Williams hospitals is a catastrophic scenario for the people of Rhode Island and our fragile health care system. Not only would it affect the patients of the two hospitals, but the ripple effect would be devastating for Rhode Island’s other hospitals and the patients they serve. Thankfully, with urgent recognition of this serious problem, our state government came together swiftly to ensure the sale of Fatima and Roger Williams hospitals proceeds,” said Representative Scott A. Slater (D-Dist. 10, Providence), vice chairman of the House Finance Committee.
“Tens of thousands of Rhode Islanders rely on Fatima and Roger Williams for medical care. For those patients, for the stability of our entire health system, and for our state’s well-being now and in the years to come, we absolutely must find a secure and sustainable path forward for these safety-net hospitals. The legislation being signed today – which is fiscally responsible and limited in scope, while creating a critical backstop that will protect Rhode Islanders – represents a critical piece of that puzzle. On behalf of the Senate, I am grateful for the outstanding efforts of all the parties involved and the overwhelming support from the General Assembly,” said Senator Louis P. DiPalma (D-Dist. 12, Middletown, Little Compton, Newport, Tiverton), Chairman, Senate Committee on Finance.
The legislation dedicates $18 million from the state’s supplemental rainy-day fund to support Centurion’s acquisition of the hospitals. It includes several safeguards to support the Centurion acquisition while protecting taxpayers. First, no state funds will be used unless the Rhode Island Health and Educational Building Corporation issues the bonds needed to purchase the hospitals. Second, even if the sale moves forward, the $18-million appropriation will not be given directly to Centurion. Instead, the funds will be placed in a backup reserve account and can be used only if Centurion is unable to make its bond payments and only after its primary reserve has been fully exhausted. Third, while the bond issuance is expected to total about $80 million, the state’s financial exposure is capped at $18 million.
“I am thankful to the General Assembly and Governor McKee for the passage and signing of this legislation, which is fundamentally about securing stability for patients, staff, and the communities that rely on these hospitals every day,” said Rhode Island Executive Office of Health and Human Services Secretary Richard Charest. “This legislation gives Centurion the opportunity to finalize the sale of these hospitals, to preserve care, and to protect our state’s broader health care system.”
“Roger Williams Medical Center and Our Lady of Fatima Hospital are critical safety-net hospitals. These facilities need to stay open for the patients they serve, and for the healthcare system in Rhode Island overall,” said Director of Health Jerry Larkin, MD. “The passage and signing of this legislation represents an important step in that direction. We are very grateful to the Governor and the General Assembly for their leadership and action on this critical issue.”