Requires EOHHS to establish a 1-year pilot program for nutritional assistance and medically tailored meals, groceries and produce for peoples with diet-related diseases or food insecurity, and other interventions where there is a clinical need.
Requires EOHHS to provide self-measured blood pressure monitoring for eligible pregnant and postpartum individuals, covering home monitors, training, data transmission, and co-interventions, with state funds if federal aid is unavailable.
Extends eligibility for lactation counselor services to RIte Start recipients starting October 1, 2025, through the end of their 12 month postpartum period, with coverage provided regardless of federal financial participation.
Requires the EOHHS to amend the state Medicaid plan and secure sufficient state general revenue to increase Medicaid payment rates to an amount equal to one hundred thirty percent (130%) of Medicare rates for outpatient clinical pediatric services.
Sets controls on Medicaid prescription drug costs by imposing transparency and accountability requirements on managed care organizations (MCOs) and their pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs).
Mandates public schools (K-12) have one full-time certified social worker for every 250 students and allocates $2 million in the fiscal year 2025 budget for school districts and municipalities to hire additional social workers.
Maddy summaryHB 5743 proposes several changes to teacher certification in Rhode Island. It would automatically extend existing teacher certifications, held as of July 1, 2025, for three or five years without fees. The bill also aims to boost teacher recruitment by waiving initial certification and Praxis exam fees for a three-year period. Furthermore, it would allow experienced teachers to acquire additional certifications and directs the Department of Education to create more flexible pathways for teacher and administrator certification, including recognizing non-traditional experience.
Establishes a statewide “Healthy School Meals for all” universal school breakfast and lunch program in Rhode Island public schools phased in over 3 years.
Provides that a student's enrollment in Medicaid would be included in calculating and determining the student success factor for use in the foundation education-aid formula.
Requires that the state's share to public libraries be fixed at twenty-five percent (25%) of the amount appropriated by the city or town in their budgets for fiscal year 2026.
