2021 -- S 0988

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2021

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A N   A C T

RELATING TO MILITARY AFFAIRS AND DEFENSE -- EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

     Introduced By: Senator Melissa A. Murray

     Date Introduced: June 28, 2021

     Referred To: Placed on Senate Calendar

     It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

     SECTION 1. Chapter 30-15 of the General Laws entitled "Emergency Management" is

hereby amended by adding thereto the following section:

     30-15-45. Essential mental health and substance use disorder services.

     During any declared state or local disaster emergency pursuant to this chapter, mental

health and substance use disorder services provided by Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics

Anonymous or other agencies that provide similar services to those seeking support for substance

use disorders shall be considered an essential health benefit and the services provided thereby shall

be permitted during the disaster emergency; provided, that adequate measures are implemented to

provide the services safely within whatever guidelines may be established to address the issues

relative to the declared disaster emergency.

     SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.

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EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

A N   A C T

RELATING TO MILITARY AFFAIRS AND DEFENSE -- EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

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     This act would permit Alcoholics Anonymous, and Narcotics Anonymous meetings and

permit other agencies to provide similar services for substance use disorders during a declared

disaster emergency.

     This act would take effect upon passage.

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