2022 -- S 2476 SUBSTITUTE A | |
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LC004627/SUB A | |
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STATE OF RHODE ISLAND | |
IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY | |
JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2022 | |
____________ | |
A N A C T | |
RELATING TO INSURANCE -- ACCIDENT AND SICKNESS INSURANCE POLICIES | |
| |
Introduced By: Senators Miller, DiMario, Lawson, Valverde, and Cano | |
Date Introduced: March 01, 2022 | |
Referred To: Senate Health & Human Services | |
It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows: | |
1 | SECTION 1. Chapter 27-18 of the General Laws entitled "Accident and Sickness Insurance |
2 | Policies" is hereby amended by adding thereto the following sections: |
3 | 27-18-89. Emergency medical services transport to alternate facilities. |
4 | (a) As used in this section, the following terms shall have the following meanings: |
5 | (1) "Basic life support" or "BLS" means transportation by ground ambulance vehicle and |
6 | medically necessary supplies and services, plus the provision of BLS ambulance services. The |
7 | ambulance must be staffed by at least two (2) people who meet the requirements of state laws and |
8 | regulations where the services are being furnished. Also, at least one of the staff members must be |
9 | licensed, at a minimum, as an emergency medical technician by the state or local authority where |
10 | the services are furnished and be legally authorized to operate all lifesaving and life-sustaining |
11 | equipment on board the vehicle. |
12 | (2) "Emergency medical services" or "EMS" means the practitioners, ambulance vehicles, |
13 | and ambulance service entities licensed in accordance with chapter 4.1 of title 23 to provide |
14 | emergency medical care, transportation, and preventive care to mitigate loss of life or exacerbation |
15 | of illness or injury, including, but not limited to, EMS responding to the 911 system established |
16 | under chapter 21.1 of title 39. |
17 | (3) "Emergency medical services practitioner" means an individual who is licensed in |
18 | accordance with state laws and regulations to perform emergency medical care and preventive care |
19 | to mitigate loss of life or exacerbation of illness or injury, including emergency medical |
| |
1 | technicians, advanced emergency medical technicians, advanced emergency medical technicians- |
2 | cardiac, and paramedics. |
3 | (4) “Mobile integrated healthcare/community paramedicine” means the provision of |
4 | healthcare using patient-centered, mobile resources in the out-of-hospital environment with EMS |
5 | agency’s licensed paramedic and advanced emergency medical technician-cardiac practitioners |
6 | working in collaboration with physicians, nurses, mid-level practitioners, community health teams |
7 | and social, behavioral and substance use disorder specialists to address the unmet needs of |
8 | individuals experiencing intermittent health care issues. |
9 | (b) This section authorizes emergency medical services in the state participating in a mobile |
10 | integrated healthcare/community paramedicine program to divert non-emergency basic life service |
11 | calls from emergency departments. Emergency medical services practitioners shall assess |
12 | individuals who are in need of emergency medical services and apply the correct level of care |
13 | thereafter, which may include transport to an alternative facility deemed appropriate by the |
14 | emergency medical services practitioner. An alternative facility shall include, but not be limited to: |
15 | (1) An individual’s primary care provider; |
16 | (2) A community health clinic; |
17 | (3) An urgent care facility; |
18 | (4) An emergency room diversion facility, as defined in § 23-17.26-2; and |
19 | (5) A community-based behavioral health facility designed to provide immediate |
20 | assistance to a person in crisis. |
21 | (c) Emergency medical services shall be permitted to transport to the following facilities |
22 | designated by the director of the department of health: |
23 | (1) Emergency room diversion facilities, as defined in § 23-17.26-2; and |
24 | (2) Community-based behavioral health facilities designed to provide immediate assistance |
25 | to a person in crisis. |
26 | (d) Commencing January 1, 2023, every individual or group health insurance contract, plan |
27 | or policy issued for delivery or renewed in this state that provides medical coverage that includes |
28 | coverage for emergency medical services shall provide coverage for transport to an alternative |
29 | location facility as identified in subsection (b) of this section and shall reimburse the EMS for such |
30 | services at the same rate as for a non-emergency basic life support transport to an emergency |
31 | department. |
32 | (e) If treatment at an alternative facility is deemed appropriate by the EMS practitioner, the |
33 | emergency medical service shall bill at the rate described in subsection (d) of this section, even if |
34 | an advanced life support assessment was provided. |
| LC004627/SUB A - Page 2 of 12 |
1 | (f) The office of the health insurance commissioner and/or the department of health may |
2 | promulgate such rules and regulations as are necessary and proper to effectuate the purpose and for |
3 | the efficient administration and enforcement of this section. |
4 | 27-18-90. Coverage of EMS mental health and substance use disorder treatment. |
5 | (a) As used in this section, "emergency medical services" or "EMS" means the |
6 | practitioners, ambulance vehicles, and ambulance service entities licensed in accordance with |
7 | chapter 4.1 of title 23 to provide emergency medical care, transportation, and preventive care to |
8 | mitigate loss of life or exacerbation of illness or injury, including, but not limited to, EMS |
9 | responding to the 911 system established under chapter 21.1 of title 39. |
10 | (b) Emergency medical services shall be permitted to allow licensed providers who treat |
11 | mental health disorders, including substance use disorders, to accompany EMS. Such providers |
12 | shall be permitted to treat EMS patients when medically necessary and appropriate. Such treatment |
13 | shall be permitted to occur in the community. |
14 | (c) Commencing January 1, 2023, every individual or group health insurance contract, plan |
15 | or policy issued for delivery or renewed in this state that provides medical coverage that includes |
16 | coverage for emergency medical services, shall provide coverage for transportation and treatment |
17 | described in subsection (b) of this section and shall reimburse such services at a rate not lower than |
18 | the same service would have been had that service been delivered in a traditional office setting. |
19 | (d) Treatment and coverage for mental health disorders, including substance use disorders, |
20 | as described in this section shall be provided in accordance with chapter 38.2 of title 27. |
21 | (e) The office of the health insurance commissioner and/or the department of health may |
22 | promulgate such rules and regulations as are necessary and proper to effectuate the purpose and for |
23 | the efficient administration and enforcement of this section. |
24 | SECTION 2. Chapter 27-19 of the General Laws entitled "Nonprofit Hospital Service |
25 | Corporations" is hereby amended by adding thereto the following sections: |
26 | 27-19-81. Emergency medical services transport to alternate facilities. |
27 | (a) As used in this section, the following terms shall have the following meaning: |
28 | (1) "Basic life support" or "BLS" means transportation by ground ambulance vehicle and |
29 | medically necessary supplies and services, plus the provision of BLS ambulance services. The |
30 | ambulance must be staffed by at least two (2) people who meet the requirements of state laws and |
31 | regulations where the services are being furnished. Also, at least one of the staff members must be |
32 | licensed, at a minimum, as an emergency medical technician by the state or local authority where |
33 | the services are furnished and be legally authorized to operate all lifesaving and life-sustaining |
34 | equipment on board the vehicle. |
| LC004627/SUB A - Page 3 of 12 |
1 | (2) "Emergency medical services" or "EMS" means the practitioners, ambulance vehicles, |
2 | and ambulance service entities licensed in accordance with chapter 4.1 of title 23 to provide |
3 | emergency medical care, transportation, and preventive care to mitigate loss of life or exacerbation |
4 | of illness or injury, including, but not limited to, EMS responding to the 911 system established |
5 | under chapter 21.1 of title 39. |
6 | (3) "Emergency medical services practitioner" means an individual who is licensed in |
7 | accordance with state laws and regulations to perform emergency medical care and preventive care |
8 | to mitigate loss of life or exacerbation of illness or injury, including emergency medical |
9 | technicians, advanced emergency medical technicians, advanced emergency medical technicians- |
10 | cardiac, and paramedics. |
11 | (4) “Mobile integrated healthcare/community paramedicine” means the provision of |
12 | healthcare using patient-centered, mobile resources in the out-of-hospital environment with EMS |
13 | agency’s licensed paramedic and advanced emergency medical technician-cardiac practitioners |
14 | working in collaboration with physicians, nurses, mid-level practitioners, community health teams |
15 | and social, behavioral and substance use disorder specialists to address the unmet needs of |
16 | individuals experiencing intermittent health care issues. |
17 | (b) This section authorizes emergency medical services in the state participating in a mobile |
18 | integrated healthcare/community paramedicine program to divert non-emergency basic life service |
19 | calls from emergency departments. Emergency medical services practitioners shall assess |
20 | individuals who are in need of emergency medical services and apply the correct level of care |
21 | thereafter, which may include transport to an alternative facility deemed appropriate by the |
22 | emergency medical services practitioner. An alternative facility shall include, but not be limited to: |
23 | (1) An individual’s primary care provider; |
24 | (2) A community health clinic; |
25 | (3) An urgent care facility; |
26 | (4) An emergency room diversion facility, as defined in § 23-17.26-2; and |
27 | (5) A community-based behavioral health facility designed to provide immediate |
28 | assistance to a person in crisis. |
29 | (c) Emergency medical services shall be permitted to transport to the following facilities |
30 | designated by the director of RIDOH: |
31 | (i) emergency room diversion facilities, as defined in § 23-17.26-2; and |
32 | (ii) community-based behavioral health facilities designed to provide immediate assistance |
33 | to a person in crisis. |
34 | (d) Commencing January 1, 2023, every individual or group health insurance contract, plan |
| LC004627/SUB A - Page 4 of 12 |
1 | or policy issued for delivery or renewed in this state that provides medical coverage that includes |
2 | coverage for emergency medical services shall provide coverage for transport to an alternative |
3 | location facility as identified in subsection (b) of this section and shall reimburse the EMS for such |
4 | services at the same rate as for a non-emergency basic life support transport to an emergency |
5 | department. |
6 | (e) If treatment at an alternative facility is deemed appropriate by the EMS practitioner, the |
7 | emergency medical service shall bill at the rate described in subsection (d) of this section even if |
8 | an advanced life support assessment was provided. |
9 | (f) The office of the health insurance commissioner and/or Rhode Island department of |
10 | health may promulgate such rules and regulations as are necessary and proper to effectuate the |
11 | purpose and for the efficient administration and enforcement of this section. |
12 | 27-19-82. Coverage of EMS mental health and substance use disorder treatment. |
13 | (a) As used in this section, "emergency medical services" or "EMS" means the |
14 | practitioners, ambulance vehicles, and ambulance service entities licensed in accordance with |
15 | chapter 4.1 of title 23 to provide emergency medical care, transportation, and preventive care to |
16 | mitigate loss of life or exacerbation of illness or injury, including, but not limited to, EMS |
17 | responding to the 911 system established under chapter 21.1 of title 39. |
18 | (b) Emergency medical services shall be permitted to allow licensed providers who treat |
19 | mental health disorders, including substance use disorders, to accompany EMS. Such providers |
20 | shall be permitted to treat EMS patients when medically necessary and appropriate. Such treatment |
21 | shall be permitted to occur in the community. |
22 | (c) Commencing January 1, 2023, every individual or group health insurance contract, plan |
23 | or policy issued for delivery or renewed in this state that provides medical coverage that includes |
24 | coverage for emergency medical services, shall provide coverage for transportation and treatment |
25 | described in subsection (b) of this section and shall reimburse such services at a rate not lower than |
26 | the same service would have been had that service been delivered in a traditional office setting. |
27 | (d) Treatment and coverage for mental health disorders, including substance use disorders, |
28 | as described in this section shall be provided in accordance with chapter 38.2 of title 27. |
29 | (e) The office of the health insurance commissioner and/or Rhode Island department of |
30 | health may promulgate such rules and regulations as are necessary and proper to effectuate the |
31 | purpose and for the efficient administration and enforcement of this section. |
32 | SECTION 3. Chapter 27-20 of the General Laws entitled "Nonprofit Medical Service |
33 | Corporations" is hereby amended by adding thereto the following sections: |
34 | 27-20-77. Emergency medical services transport to alternate facilities. |
| LC004627/SUB A - Page 5 of 12 |
1 | (a) As used in this section, the following terms shall have the following meaning: |
2 | (1) "Basic life support" or "BLS" means transportation by ground ambulance vehicle and |
3 | medically necessary supplies and services, plus the provision of BLS ambulance services. The |
4 | ambulance must be staffed by at least two (2) people who meet the requirements of state laws and |
5 | regulations where the services are being furnished. Also, at least one of the staff members must be |
6 | licensed, at a minimum, as an emergency medical technician by the state or local authority where |
7 | the services are furnished and be legally authorized to operate all lifesaving and life-sustaining |
8 | equipment on board the vehicle. |
9 | (2) "Emergency medical services" or "EMS" means the practitioners, ambulance vehicles, |
10 | and ambulance service entities licensed in accordance with chapter 4.1 of title 23 to provide |
11 | emergency medical care, transportation, and preventive care to mitigate loss of life or exacerbation |
12 | of illness or injury including, but not limited to, EMS responding to the 911 system established |
13 | under chapter 21.1 of title 39. |
14 | (3) "Emergency medical services practitioner" means an individual who is licensed in |
15 | accordance with state laws and regulations to perform emergency medical care and preventive care |
16 | to mitigate loss of life or exacerbation of illness or injury, including emergency medical |
17 | technicians, advanced emergency medical technicians, advanced emergency medical technicians- |
18 | cardiac, and paramedics. |
19 | (4) “Mobile integrated healthcare/community paramedicine” means the provision of |
20 | healthcare using patient-centered, mobile resources in the out-of-hospital environment with EMS |
21 | agency’s licensed paramedic and advanced emergency medical technician-cardiac practitioners |
22 | working in collaboration with physicians, nurses, mid-level practitioners, community health teams |
23 | and social, behavioral and substance use disorder specialists to address the unmet needs of |
24 | individuals experiencing intermittent health care issues. |
25 | (b) This section authorizes emergency medical services in the state participating in a mobile |
26 | integrated healthcare/community paramedicine program to divert non-emergency basic life service |
27 | calls from emergency departments. Emergency medical services practitioners shall assess |
28 | individuals who are in need of emergency medical services and apply the correct level of care |
29 | thereafter, which may include transport to an alternative facility deemed appropriate by the |
30 | emergency medical services practitioner. An alternative facility shall include, but not be limited to: |
31 | (1) An individual’s primary care provider; |
32 | (2) A community health clinic; |
33 | (3) An urgent care facility; |
34 | (4) An emergency room diversion facility, as defined in § 23-17.26-2; and |
| LC004627/SUB A - Page 6 of 12 |
1 | (5) A community-based behavioral health facility designed to provide immediate |
2 | assistance to a person in crisis. |
3 | (c) Emergency medical services shall be permitted to transport to the following facilities |
4 | designated by the director of RIDOH: |
5 | (i) emergency room diversion facilities, as defined in § 23-17.26-2; and |
6 | (ii) community-based behavioral health facilities designed to provide immediate assistance |
7 | to a person in crisis. |
8 | (d) Commencing January 1, 2023, every individual or group health insurance contract, plan |
9 | or policy issued for delivery or renewed in this state that provides medical coverage that includes |
10 | coverage for emergency medical services shall provide coverage for transport to an alternative |
11 | location facility as identified in subsection (b) of this section and shall reimburse the EMS for such |
12 | services at the same rate as for a non-emergency basic life support transport to an emergency |
13 | department. |
14 | (e) If treatment at an alternative facility is deemed appropriate by the EMS practitioner, the |
15 | emergency medical service shall bill at the rate described in subsection (c) of this section, even if |
16 | an advanced life support assessment was provided. |
17 | (f) The office of the health insurance commissioner and/or Rhode Island department of |
18 | health may promulgate such rules and regulations as are necessary and proper to effectuate the |
19 | purpose and for the efficient administration and enforcement of this section. |
20 | 27-20-78. Coverage of EMS mental health and substance use disorder treatment. |
21 | (a) As used in this section, "emergency medical services" or "EMS" means the |
22 | practitioners, ambulance vehicles, and ambulance service entities licensed in accordance with |
23 | chapter 4.1 of title 23 to provide emergency medical care, transportation, and preventive care to |
24 | mitigate loss of life or exacerbation of illness or injury, including, but not limited to, EMS |
25 | responding to the 911 system established under chapter 21.1 of title 39. |
26 | (b) Emergency medical services shall be permitted to allow licensed providers who treat |
27 | mental health disorders, including substance use disorders, to accompany EMS. Such providers |
28 | shall be permitted to treat EMS patients when medically necessary and appropriate. Such treatment |
29 | shall be permitted to occur in the community. |
30 | (c) Commencing January 1, 2023, every individual or group health insurance contract, plan |
31 | or policy issued for delivery or renewed in this state that provides medical coverage that includes |
32 | coverage for emergency medical services, shall provide coverage for transportation and treatment |
33 | described in subsection (b) of this section and shall reimburse such services at a rate not lower than |
34 | the same service would have been had that service been delivered in a traditional office setting. |
| LC004627/SUB A - Page 7 of 12 |
1 | (d) Treatment and coverage for mental health disorders, including substance use disorders, |
2 | as described in this section shall be provided in accordance with chapter 38.2 of title 27. |
3 | (e) The office of the health insurance commissioner and/or Rhode Island department of |
4 | health may promulgate such rules and regulations as are necessary and proper to effectuate the |
5 | purpose and for the efficient administration and enforcement of this section. |
6 | SECTION 4. Chapter 27-41 of the General Laws entitled "Health Maintenance |
7 | Organizations" is hereby amended by adding thereto the following sections: |
8 | 27-41-94. Emergency medical services transport to alternate facilities. |
9 | (a) As used in this section, the following terms shall have the following meaning: |
10 | (1) "Basic life support" or "BLS" means transportation by ground ambulance vehicle and |
11 | medically necessary supplies and services, plus the provision of BLS ambulance services. The |
12 | ambulance must be staffed by at least two (2) people who meet the requirements of state laws and |
13 | regulations where the services are being furnished. Also, at least one of the staff members must be |
14 | licensed, at a minimum, as an emergency medical technician by the state or local authority where |
15 | the services are furnished and be legally authorized to operate all lifesaving and life-sustaining |
16 | equipment on board the vehicle. |
17 | (2) "Emergency medical services" or "EMS" means the practitioners, ambulance vehicles, |
18 | and ambulance service entities licensed in accordance with chapter 4.1 of title 23 to provide |
19 | emergency medical care, transportation, and preventive care to mitigate loss of life or exacerbation |
20 | of illness or injury, including, but not limited to, EMS responding to the 911 system established |
21 | under chapter 21.1 of title 39. |
22 | (3) "Emergency medical services practitioner" means an individual who is licensed in |
23 | accordance with state laws and regulations to perform emergency medical care and preventive care |
24 | to mitigate loss of life or exacerbation of illness or injury, including emergency medical |
25 | technicians, advanced emergency medical technicians, advanced emergency medical technicians- |
26 | cardiac, and paramedics. |
27 | (4) “Mobile integrated healthcare/community paramedicine” means the provision of |
28 | healthcare using patient-centered, mobile resources in the out-of-hospital environment with EMS |
29 | agency’s licensed paramedic and advanced emergency medical technician-cardiac practitioners |
30 | working in collaboration with physicians, nurses, mid-level practitioners, community health teams |
31 | and social, behavioral and substance use disorder specialists to address the unmet needs of |
32 | individuals experiencing intermittent health care issues. |
33 | (b) This section authorizes emergency medical services in the state participating in a mobile |
34 | integrated healthcare/community paramedicine program to divert non-emergency basic life service |
| LC004627/SUB A - Page 8 of 12 |
1 | calls from emergency departments. Emergency medical services practitioners shall assess |
2 | individuals who are in need of emergency medical services and apply the correct level of care |
3 | thereafter, which may include transport to an alternative facility deemed appropriate by the |
4 | emergency medical services practitioner. An alternative facility shall include, but not be limited to: |
5 | (1) An individual’s primary care provider; |
6 | (2) A community health clinic; |
7 | (3) An urgent care facility; |
8 | (4) An emergency room diversion facility, as defined in § 23-17.26-2; and |
9 | (5) A community-based behavioral health facility designed to provide immediate |
10 | assistance to a person in crisis. |
11 | (c) Emergency medical services shall be permitted to transport to the following facilities |
12 | designated by the director of RIDOH: |
13 | (i) Emergency room diversion facilities, as defined in § 23-17.26-2; and |
14 | (ii) Community-based behavioral health facilities designed to provide immediate |
15 | assistance to a person in crisis. |
16 | (d) Commencing January 1, 2023, every individual or group health insurance contract, plan |
17 | or policy issued for delivery or renewed in this state that provides medical coverage that includes |
18 | coverage for emergency medical services shall provide coverage for transport to an alternative |
19 | location facility as identified in subsection (b) of this section and shall reimburse the EMS for such |
20 | services at the same rate as for a non-emergency basic life support transport to an emergency |
21 | department. |
22 | (e) If treatment at an alternative facility is deemed appropriate by the EMS practitioner, the |
23 | emergency medical service shall bill at the rate as described in subsection (d) of this section, even |
24 | if an advanced life support assessment was provided. |
25 | (f) The office of the health insurance commissioner and/or Rhode Island department of |
26 | health may promulgate such rules and regulations as are necessary and proper to effectuate the |
27 | purpose and for the efficient administration and enforcement of this section. |
28 | 27-41-95. Coverage of EMS mental health and substance use disorder treatment. |
29 | (a) As used in this section, "emergency medical services" or "EMS" means the |
30 | practitioners, ambulance vehicles, and ambulance service entities licensed in accordance with |
31 | chapter 4.1 of title 23 to provide emergency medical care, transportation, and preventive care to |
32 | mitigate loss of life or exacerbation of illness or injury, including, but not limited to, EMS |
33 | responding to the 911 system established under chapter 21.1 of title 39. |
34 | (b) Emergency medical services shall be permitted to allow licensed providers who treat |
| LC004627/SUB A - Page 9 of 12 |
1 | mental health disorders, including substance use disorders, to accompany EMS. Such providers |
2 | shall be permitted to treat EMS patients when medically necessary and appropriate. Such treatment |
3 | shall be permitted to occur in the community. |
4 | (c) Commencing January 1, 2023, every individual or group health insurance contract, plan |
5 | or policy issued for delivery or renewed in this state that provides medical coverage that includes |
6 | coverage for emergency medical services, shall provide coverage for transportation and treatment |
7 | described in subsection (b) of this section and shall reimburse such services at a rate not lower than |
8 | the same service would have been had that service been delivered in a traditional office setting. |
9 | (d) Treatment and coverage for mental health disorders, including substance use disorders, |
10 | as described in this section shall be provided in accordance with chapter 38.2 of title 27. |
11 | (e) The office of the health insurance commissioner and/or Rhode Island department of |
12 | health may promulgate such rules and regulations as are necessary and proper to effectuate the |
13 | purpose and for the efficient administration and enforcement of this section. |
14 | SECTION 5. Chapter 42-7.2 of the General Laws entitled "Office of Health and Human |
15 | Services" is hereby amended by adding thereto the following sections: |
16 | 42-7.2-21. Emergency medical services transport to alternate facilities. |
17 | (a) As used in this section, the following terms shall have the following meaning: |
18 | (1) "Basic life support" or "BLS" means transportation by ground ambulance vehicle and |
19 | medically necessary supplies and services, plus the provision of BLS ambulance services. The |
20 | ambulance must be staffed by at least two (2) people who meet the requirements of state laws and |
21 | regulations where the services are being furnished. Also, at least one of the staff members must be |
22 | licensed, at a minimum, as an emergency medical technician by the state or local authority where |
23 | the services are furnished and be legally authorized to operate all lifesaving and life-sustaining |
24 | equipment on board the vehicle. |
25 | (2) "Emergency medical services" or "EMS" means the practitioners, ambulance vehicles, |
26 | and ambulance service entities licensed in accordance with chapter 4.1 of title 23 to provide |
27 | emergency medical care, transportation, and preventive care to mitigate loss of life or exacerbation |
28 | of illness or injury, including, but not limited to, EMS responding to the 911 system established |
29 | under chapter 21.1 of title 39. |
30 | (3) "Emergency medical services practitioner" means an individual who is licensed in |
31 | accordance with state laws and regulations to perform emergency medical care and preventive care |
32 | to mitigate loss of life or exacerbation of illness or injury, including emergency medical |
33 | technicians, advanced emergency medical technicians, advanced emergency medical technicians- |
34 | cardiac, and paramedics. |
| LC004627/SUB A - Page 10 of 12 |
1 | (4) “Mobile integrated healthcare/community paramedicine” means the provision of |
2 | healthcare using patient-centered, mobile resources in the out-of-hospital environment with EMS |
3 | agency’s licensed paramedic and advanced emergency medical technician-cardiac practitioners |
4 | working in collaboration with physicians, nurses, mid-level practitioners, community health teams |
5 | and social, behavioral and substance use disorder specialists to address the unmet needs of |
6 | individuals experiencing intermittent health care issues. |
7 | (b) This section authorizes emergency medical services in the state participating in a mobile |
8 | integrated healthcare/community paramedicine program to divert non-emergency basic life service |
9 | calls from emergency departments. Emergency medical services practitioners shall assess |
10 | individuals who are in need of emergency medical services and apply the correct level of care |
11 | thereafter, which may include transport to an alternative facility deemed appropriate by the |
12 | emergency medical services practitioner. An alternative facility shall include, but not be limited to: |
13 | (1) An individual’s primary care provider; |
14 | (2) A community health clinic; |
15 | (3) An urgent care facility; |
16 | (4) An emergency room diversion facility, as defined in § 23-17.26-2; and |
17 | (5) A community-based behavioral health facility designed to provide immediate |
18 | assistance to a person in crisis. |
19 | (c) Emergency medical services shall be permitted to transport to the following facilities |
20 | designated by the director of the department of health: |
21 | (1) Emergency room diversion facilities, as defined in § 23-17.26-2; and |
22 | (2) Community-based behavioral health facilities designed to provide immediate assistance |
23 | to a person in crisis. |
24 | (d) Rhode Island Medicaid and its contracted managed care entities shall provide coverage |
25 | for transport to an alternative facility as identified in subsection (b) of this section and shall |
26 | reimburse the EMS for such services at the same rate as for a non-emergency basic life support |
27 | transport to an emergency department. |
28 | (e) If treatment at an alternative facility is deemed appropriate by the EMS practitioner, the |
29 | emergency medical service shall bill at the rate described in subsection (d) of this section even if |
30 | an advanced life support assessment was provided. |
31 | (f) The executive office of health and human services and/or the department of health may |
32 | promulgate such rules and regulations as are necessary and proper to effectuate the purpose and for |
33 | the efficient administration and enforcement of this chapter. |
34 | 42-7.2-22. Coverage of EMS mental health and substance use disorder treatment. |
| LC004627/SUB A - Page 11 of 12 |
1 | (a) As used in this section, "emergency medical services" or "EMS" means the |
2 | practitioners, ambulance vehicles, and ambulance service entities licensed in accordance with |
3 | chapter 4.1 of title 23 to provide emergency medical care, transportation, and preventive care to |
4 | mitigate loss of life or exacerbation of illness or injury, including, but not limited to, EMS |
5 | responding to the 911 system established under chapter 21.1 of title 39. |
6 | (b) Emergency medical services shall be permitted to allow licensed providers who treat |
7 | mental health disorders, including substance use disorders, to accompany EMS. Such providers |
8 | shall be permitted to treat EMS patients when medically necessary and appropriate. Such treatment |
9 | shall be permitted to occur in the community. |
10 | (c) Rhode Island Medicaid and its contracted managed care entities shall provide coverage |
11 | for transportation and treatment described in subsection (b) of this section and shall reimburse such |
12 | services at a rate not lower than the same service would have been had that service been delivered |
13 | in a traditional office setting. |
14 | (d) The executive office of health and human services and/or the department of health may |
15 | promulgate such rules and regulations as are necessary and proper to effectuate the purpose and for |
16 | the efficient administration and enforcement of this chapter. |
17 | SECTION 6. This act shall take effect upon passage. |
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LC004627/SUB A | |
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| LC004627/SUB A - Page 12 of 12 |
EXPLANATION | |
BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL | |
OF | |
A N A C T | |
RELATING TO INSURANCE -- ACCIDENT AND SICKNESS INSURANCE POLICIES | |
*** | |
1 | This act would require health insurers, nonprofit hospital service corporations, nonprofit |
2 | medical service corporations, health maintenance organizations and Rhode Island Medicaid, to |
3 | issue or renew policies that provide coverage for emergency medical services transport to alternate |
4 | facilities and coverage of emergency medical services, mental health and substance use disorder |
5 | treatment, on or after January 1, 2023. |
6 | This act would take effect upon passage. |
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LC004627/SUB A | |
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| LC004627/SUB A - Page 13 of 12 |