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.

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     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