Creates a workload study for social caseworkers II in the division of developmental disabilities within the department of behavioral healthcare, developmental disabilities and hospitals (BHDDH).
Requires executive office of health and human services to establish an early childhood mental health hub program focused on improving access to infant and early childhood mental health services for children under age 6 and their families.
Establishes a digital electronics right to repair, which would allow for digital electronic equipment and parts that are sold in this state on or after January 1, 2025, to be repaired at an independent repair provider.
Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution designates May 28, 2024, as "Arts Advocacy Day" in Rhode Island to highlight the economic and cultural value of the arts sector. The bill recognizes that the arts contribute billions to the state economy and support local businesses, while also benefiting students through arts education programs. It urges residents to appreciate and support artists and cultural organizations, particularly those affected by pandemic-related shutdowns. Finally, the resolution directs the Secretary of State to send copies of the document to the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts and the Rhode Island Coalition for the Arts.
Requires the secretary of the executive office of health and human services to present to the general assembly a plan for the realignment of state hospitals into a department of hospitals no later than September 1, 2024.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a price cap for prescription drugs purchased by the state, public health plans, and private ERISA plans that choose to join the program. It requires these entities to pay no more than a specific "maximum fair price" set by the federal government for certain drugs, while still allowing pharmacies to charge a separate fee for dispensing the medication. Participating organizations must report any money saved from these lower prices to the insurance commissioner and use those funds to reduce costs for their members or promote health equity. The law also mandates that drug sellers maintain a local office in Rhode Island and authorizes the attorney general to impose fines on anyone who violates the pricing rules.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires insurance plans to cover mobile response and stabilization services for children and youth up to 18 years old experiencing acute mental health crises. These services involve rapid on-site assessment and early intervention for issues such as aggression, self-injury, trauma, suicidal thoughts, and severe family conflict. The legislation mandates that these mobile services be treated the same as other behavioral health treatments regarding coverage, regardless of how they are billed. Insurance providers offering accident and sickness, nonprofit hospital, nonprofit medical service, or health maintenance organization plans must include this coverage starting January 1, 2025.
Requires insurance coverage for all community health workers' services to include health and promotion coaching, health education and training, health system navigation and resource coordination services, care planning and follow-up care recommendations.
Requires businesses that offer automatic subscription renewals/continuous service offers to provide consumers with notice to the consumer prior to their engagement in the contract along with notice of renewal of subscription/cancellation info. eff. 1/1/25
Maddy summaryThis bill creates the Rhode Island Drug Cost Review Commission to address rising prescription drug prices by treating them similarly to regulated utilities. The new commission will consist of five appointed members and a thirteen-member advisory board representing patients, doctors, insurers, and other stakeholders. Manufacturers must notify the commission if they plan to increase drug prices by more than ten percent or introduce new drugs costing over thirty thousand dollars annually, triggering a public review process. During these reviews, the commission will analyze costs and vote on whether to set price limits for payers, with decisions made publicly by a simple majority vote.
