2022 -- H 8004

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LC005451

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2022

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A N   A C T

RELATING TO BEHAVIORAL HEALTHCARE, DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES AND

HOSPITALS -- DIVISION OF DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES

     Introduced By: Representatives Alzate, Felix, Casimiro, Giraldo, Amore, and Henries

     Date Introduced: March 18, 2022

     Referred To: House Finance

     It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

     SECTION 1. Chapter 40.1-21 of the General Laws entitled "Division of Developmental

Disabilities" is hereby amended by adding thereto the following section:

     40.1-21-19. Social caseworker caseload.

     (a) There shall be a workload study conducted by the directors of the department of

behavioral healthcare, developmental disabilities and hospitals ("BHDDH"), the department of

children, youth and families ("DCYF"), and the department of human services ("DHS") in order to

determine the optimal caseload limits for social caseworkers II in the division of developmental

disabilities unit of BHDDH.

     (b) The study shall be completed within one year and reported back to the general assembly

by September 1, 2023. The study shall include:

     (1) A scientific time measurement of what duties the social caseworkers II actually

perform;

     (2) Determining a set of minimum essential workload standards based on federal, state, and

local mandates;

     (3) Developing a set of optional, best practices standards;

     (4) Calculating staffing needs to fulfill these essential and best practice standards;

     (5) Projecting needs based on caseload growth and plans to fulfill unmet service needs; and

     (6) Ensuring caseloads achieve positive outcomes for the children and families served, as

well as considering worker turnover.

     (c) Until such time as the study is completed, the caseload limit for social caseworkers II

shall be one hundred fifty (150) clients per social caseworker II.

     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 BEHAVIORAL HEALTHCARE, DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES AND

HOSPITALS -- DIVISION OF DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES

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     This act would create a workload study for social caseworkers II in the division of

developmental disabilities within the department of behavioral healthcare, developmental

disabilities and hospitals (BHDDH). The study would be completed within one year and the results

reported to the general assembly. Until such time as the study is completed, the caseload limit

would be one hundred fifty (150) clients per social caseworker II.

     This act would take effect upon passage.

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