2022 -- S 2326

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LC004520

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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 BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS - NEUROFEEDBACK THERAPY

     Introduced By: Senators Burke, Valverde, Lawson, Miller, Euer, F Lombardi, DiMario,
and Cano

     Date Introduced: February 15, 2022

     Referred To: Senate Health & Human Services

     It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

     SECTION 1. Title 5 of the General Laws entitled "BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS"

is hereby amended by adding thereto the following chapter:

CHAPTER 63.3

NEUROFEEDBACK THERAPY

     5-63.3-1. Description.

     Neurofeedback therapy is a form of mental health therapy that utilizes a noninvasive

technique using sensitive instruments to measure electrophysiological processes such as

brainwaves, heart rate, muscle activity and skin temperature. The results are then reported to the

patient to assist him or her in controlling these processes. Neurofeedback therapy can be a way to

learn stress management and relaxation techniques to prevent stress-related disorders, or to reduce

or eliminate the symptoms of many syndromes. In addition to teaching self-regulation by the use

of such instruments the neurofeedback therapist can promote health and coping skills by methods

that include, diaphragmatic breathing, progressive relaxation, autogenic training, imagery,

psychophysiological therapy and cognitive restricting.

     5-63.3-2. Pilot program created - Coverage required for neurofeedback therapy.

     There is hereby created a two (2) year pilot program to provide insurance coverage for up

to twenty (20) sessions for neurofeedback therapy to be provided to:

     (1) Any person up to the age of twenty-one (21) years old; and

     (2) Members of the military and any veteran irrespective of age who is diagnosed with

post-traumatic stress disorder.

     5-63.3-3. Authorized practice - Training and supervision.

     Persons authorized to practice neurofeedback therapy pursuant to this chapter shall:

     (1) Have at least a graduate degree from an accredited institution of higher learning in

education of a health care related field satisfactory to the board of neurofeedback therapy, and at

least thirty-six (36) hours of didactic neurofeedback education.

     (2) Have at least one hundred (100) hours of clinical experience in the practice of

neurofeedback therapy under the supervision of a person who, because of education and experience

would be eligible for licensure or is licensed as a neurofeedback therapist.

     (3) Pass a written and practical examination satisfactory to the board of neurofeedback

therapy. Biofeedback Certification Institute of America (BCIA).

     (4) Be at least twenty-one (21) years of age.

     (5) Be of good moral character as determined by the board of neurofeedback therapy.

     5-63.3-4. Exempt persons.

     Nothing contained in this chapter shall be construed to prohibit the practice of

neurofeedback therapy by qualified health care professionals licensed in this state, or by students

or interns in health care educational programs who are supervised by a licensed or authorized health

care professional qualified to practice neurofeedback therapy.

     SECTION 2. Chapter 27-18 of the General Laws entitled "Accident and Sickness Insurance

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

     27-18-89. Neurofeedback therapy.

     Every individual or group health insurance contract, plan, or policy delivered, issued for

delivery or renewed in this state on or after January 1, 2023, shall provide coverage for

neurofeedback therapy as provided for in chapter 63.3 of title 5, until January 1, 2025, at which

time the pilot program shall end.

     SECTION 3. Chapter 27-19 of the General Laws entitled "Nonprofit Hospital Service

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

     27-19-81. Neurofeedback therapy.

     Every individual or group health insurance contract, plan, or policy delivered, issued for

delivery or renewed in this state on or after January 1, 2023, shall provide coverage for

neurofeedback therapy as provided for in chapter 63.3 of title 5, until January 1, 2025, at which

time the pilot program shall end.

     SECTION 4. Chapter 27-20 of the General Laws entitled "Nonprofit Medical Service

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

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     27-20-77. Neurofeedback therapy.

     Every individual or group health insurance contract, plan, or policy delivered, issued for

delivery or renewed in this state on or after January 1, 2023, shall provide coverage for

neurofeedback therapy as provided for in chapter 63.3 of title 5, until January 1, 2025, at which

time the pilot program shall end.

     SECTION 5. Chapter 27-41 of the General Laws entitled "Health Maintenance

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

     27-41-94. Neurofeedback therapy.

     Every individual or group health insurance contract, plan, or policy delivered, issued for

delivery or renewed in this state on or after January 1, 2023, shall provide coverage for

neurofeedback therapy as provided for in chapter 63.3 of title 5, until January 1, 2025, at which

time the pilot program shall end.

     SECTION 6. This act shall take effect upon passage and shall sunset on January 1, 2025.

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EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

A N   A C T

RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS - NEUROFEEDBACK THERAPY

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     This act would create a two (2) year pilot program to provide insurance coverage for

neurofeedback therapy for members of the military and veterans suffering from post-traumatic

stress disorder and for individuals under the age of twenty-one (21).

     This act would take effect upon passage and would sunset on January 1, 2025.

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