Healthcare (Mental Health)

signed · Rhode Island · House Jun 19, 2026

HB 7634: AN ACT RELATING TO BEHAVIORAL HEALTHCARE, DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES AND HOSPITALS -- MENTAL HEALTH LAW

HB 7634 amends the state's Mental Health Law to grant advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) the same legal protection from lawsuits as physicians and surgeons when providing mental health services. Specifically, it ensures APRNs licensed in the state cannot be held liable in court for their professional actions under this law - except in cases of actual fraud or gross negligence - similar to existing protections for doctors. This directly affects APRNs working in mental healthcare settings, clarifying their legal standing during proceedings like patient discharges or treatment decisions. The bill takes effect immediately upon passage.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareGrants APRNs same legal protections as physicians in mental health services, strengthening provider access and reducing liability barriers for mental health care.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Mental Health

died · Rhode Island · House Apr 8, 2026

HB 7636: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- SUICIDE PREVENTION--VOLUNTARY FIREARM RESTRICTIONS ACT

Creates process for individual to voluntarily be either temporarily or indefinitely added to a list restricting their rights to purchase or possess firearms. Adds civil fines and misdemeanor for violations.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill creates voluntary firearm restrictions to prevent suicide, directly supporting mental health services as a public health measure per its title and summary.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Mental Health

Track

died · Rhode Island · Senate Mar 24, 2026

SB 2467: AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- INSURANCE COVERAGE FOR MENTAL ILLNESS AND SUBSTANCE USE DISORDERS

SB 2467 prohibits health insurance companies from requiring prior approval (preauthorization) for in-network mental health and substance use disorder services, including both inpatient and outpatient care. This directly affects patients seeking these specific treatments through in-network providers, removing a common administrative barrier. The law takes effect on January 1, 2027, and aligns with existing requirements ensuring mental health coverage is treated equally to physical health coverage under insurance plans. It does not apply to out-of-network services or change other coverage rules like cost-sharing parity.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareRemoves preauthorization barriers for mental health/substance use coverage, improving patient access and aligning with parity laws to strengthen mental health services.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Insurance Mental Health Substance Abuse

Track

died · Rhode Island · House Mar 12, 2026

HB 7939: AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- ACCIDENT AND SICKNESS INSURANCE POLICIES

Raises the age of eligibility for mobile response and stabilization services from eighteen (18) to twenty-one (21) and establishes a minimum rate for commercial health insurance reimbursement for such services.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareEstablishes minimum commercial health insurance reimbursement rate for mobile response services, ensuring fair provider payment and improving access to care for 18-21 year olds.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Insurance Mental Health

Track

died · Rhode Island · House Mar 12, 2026

HB 7943: AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- INSURANCE COVERAGE FOR MENTAL ILLNESS AND SUBSTANCE USE DISORDERS

HB 7943 prohibits health insurers from requiring preauthorization for in-network mental health or substance use disorder services, directly affecting insured patients seeking these treatments within their plan's network. The bill mandates that coverage for mental health and substance use disorders must meet the same terms as medical care, eliminating annual/lifetime dollar limits and ensuring cost-sharing parity with primary care visits. Key provisions include banning non-quantitative treatment restrictions that are stricter than those for medical conditions and requiring insurers to use American Society of Addiction Medicine criteria for substance use disorder coverage. The law takes effect January 1, 2027, and applies specifically to in-network services as defined in the bill.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareProhibits preauthorization and mandates parity for mental health/substance use coverage, eliminating barriers and ensuring equal treatment as medical care.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Insurance Mental Health Substance Abuse

Track

in committee · Rhode Island · House Feb 6, 2026

HB 7591: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- LICENSING AND MONITORING OF CHILD PLACING AGENCIES, CHILD CARING AGENCIES, FOSTER AND ADOPTIVE HOMES, AND CHILDREN'S BEHAVIORAL HEALTH PROGRAMS

HB 7591 requires all out-of-state foster care facilities placing children in Rhode Island to register with the state Medicaid program as a Medicaid provider. This directly affects out-of-state foster care agencies seeking to place children in Rhode Island, ensuring they meet Medicaid requirements for reimbursement. The bill includes a waiver provision allowing emergency placements at non-Medicaid facilities if no provider is available. It does not change existing licensing standards for in-state agencies.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareRequires out-of-state foster care agencies providing children's behavioral health to register as Medicaid providers, ensuring reimbursement and access to healthcare services.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Medicaid Mental Health

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died · Rhode Island · Senate Mar 24, 2026

SB 2564: AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- INSURANCE COVERAGE FOR MENTAL ILLNESS AND SUBSTANCE USE DISORDERS

Provides that for treatment of mental health and substance use disorders, payors would rely upon criteria which reflect generally accepted standards of care when developing coverage.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill mandates insurers use accepted standards for mental health/substance use disorder coverage, expanding access and protecting patient rights per healthcare topic indicators.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Insurance Mental Health

Track

died · Rhode Island · Senate May 7, 2026

SB 2606: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN, YOUTH AND FAMILIES -- THE POWERS AND SCOPE OF ACTIVITIES

Expands the DCYF powers by overseeing and administer comprehensive behavioral health services for children with serious emotional disturbances and children with developmental or functional disabilities.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareExpands DCYF's role in providing behavioral health services for children with disabilities, directly advancing mental health care access under healthcare policy.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Mental Health

Track

died · Rhode Island · House Mar 12, 2026

HB 7949: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- LICENSING AND MONITORING OF CHILD PLACING AGENCIES, CHILD CARING AGENCIES, FOSTER AND ADOPTIVE HOMES, AND CHILDREN'S BEHAVIORAL HEALTH PROGRAMS

HB 7949 authorizes Rhode Island's Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF) to license mobile response and stabilization services (MRSS) that provide crisis intervention for children and young adults under 21. This bill directly affects MRSS providers, requiring them to meet new licensing standards set by DCYF. Key provisions include regulations on staff qualifications, safety standards, child-to-staff ratios, background checks, and record-keeping to ensure quality care. The law amends existing licensing rules to include MRSS as a distinct service category under DCYF's oversight.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill establishes licensing standards for children's behavioral health crisis services, enhancing quality and access to mental health care for youth under 21.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Mental Health

Track

died · Rhode Island · House Mar 12, 2026

HB 7919: AN ACT RELATING TO BEHAVIORAL HEALTHCARE, DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES AND HOSPITALS -- MENTAL HEALTH LAW

Requires the department of behavioral healthcare, developmental disabilities and hospitals to publish a statewide guide to the youth behavioral health system.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareRequires statewide youth behavioral health system guide, improving access to mental health services per bill title/summary.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Mental Health

Track