Boylan, Urso introduce bill to allow nurses to provide home foot care
STATE HOUSE — Rep. Jennifer Boylan and Sen. Lori Urso have introduced legislation to help homebound patients access routine foot care at home.
Sen. Lori Urso
“Most Rhode Islanders recognize the shortage of medical providers when they have trouble finding a primary care provider or have to wait months to see a specialist. But they may not recognize that for some residents, essential services are not available here in Rhode Island home settings. Home foot care services are one of these, leaving many older patients without safe options. It’s especially dangerous for those with diabetes, who are prone to infections and other foot problems that can lead to serious complications and even death,” said Representative Boylan (D-Dist. 66, Barrington, East Providence).
The bill (2026-H 7029, 2026-S 2116) would allow nurses to provide routine foot care in patients’ homes, provided they get proper training and demonstrate clinical competency.
The bill addresses a critical unmet need for basic, routine and preventative foot care in the home. Many elderly or disabled patients need medical assistance for routine foot care, including noninvasive maintenance of toenails, common corns and calluses.
“This bill is about expanding access for the vulnerable Rhode Islanders who currently have no safe options for routine foot care. This kind of care might seem simple to some of us, but for other it is difficult or impossible to do safely on their own,” said Senator Urso (D-Dist. 8, Pawtucket). “Properly trained nurses can provide this care—indeed, similar practices are already permitted in most other states, including Massachusetts, whose regulations this legislation is modeled on. With the city of Pawtucket joining the AARP Age-friendly initiative, along with several other Rhode Island cities and towns, it is imperative that we identity opportunities to support those residents who desire to age in place. Rhode Island has a higher population of residents over age 65 than it does under 20. Initiatives such as this will help us meet their needs.”
Under the bill, nurses would need to have knowledge of and demonstrate clinical competency in the structure and function of feet and nails, common foot pathology and related nursing interventions, use of appropriate instruments and other related matters. It would also require that two of their 10 hours of continuing education per certification period be focused on foot care.
“Access to in-home foot care is important for older adults who face mobility, vision, or chronic health challenges. Without regular care, minor foot issues can progress into infections, pain or mobility problems that increase fall risk and lead to more serious medical needs. Home-based foot care supports prevention, early identification of concerns and the ability of older adults to age in place,” said Catherine Taylor, AARP Rhode Island state director.
Representative Boylan and Senator Urso also noted that the change would provide relief not only to patients, but to their family and caregivers, many of whom are forced to choose between foregoing necessary treatment or taking the risk of trying to provide foot care themselves.
Rep. Jennifer Boylan
The bill is scheduled to be heard by the House Health and Human Services Committee.
“The Pawtucket Senior Citizens Council strongly supports this long overdue bill which will benefit an overwhelming number of vulnerable seniors across the state,” said Beth Roberge, president of the Pawtucket Senior Citizens Council. “We strongly encourage the General Assembly to take Senator Urso and Representative Boylan’s bill and push it across the finish line this year!”