2012 -- S 2561

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STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2012

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A N A C T

RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- ALCOHOLISM

     Introduced By: Senators Miller, Jabour, Doyle, Goodwin, and Ruggerio

     Date Introduced: February 28, 2012

     Referred To: Senate Health & Human Services

It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

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     SECTION 1. Chapter 23-1.10 of the General Laws entitled "Alcoholism" is hereby

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amended by adding thereto the following section:

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     23-1.10-20. Pilot alternative program established. – (a) There is hereby created a

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program for individuals impaired by substance abuse related issues, as an alternative

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treatment/referral service to the emergency room department, to foster their entry into a

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continuum of care for treatment and recovery. This pilot program shall be an addition and shall

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not alter the comprehensive and coordinated program for the treatment of alcoholics and

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intoxicated persons as set forth in section 23-1.10-6.

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     (b) As used in this section, the following words and terms shall have the following

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meanings:

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     (1) “Department” means the Rhode Island department of behavioral healthcare,

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developmental disabilities and hospitals.

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     (2) “Pilot program" means the program described in this section. The pilot program shall

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not be subject to subsections 23-1.10-10(a), (b), (c) and (d).

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     (12) “Substance abuse related issues” means any of the symptoms that are caused by

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either active substance use, substance abuse/dependence or a combination of both.

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     (c) No later than December 31, 2012, and subject to approval of the Rhode Island

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executive office of health and human services, the department shall present a proposal to the

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governor and general assembly to expand existing service(s), that shall result in services

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described in subsection (a) available twenty-four (24) hours a day, seven (7) days a week to

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implement the pilot program.

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     (d) Subject to approval from the governor and general assembly and the receipt of

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required funds, the director shall commence the implementation of the pilot program.

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     (e) The director may adopt such rules and regulations governing the management of the

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pilot program as he/she deems necessary to carry out the provisions of this section.

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     (f) The pilot program shall have a duration of three (3) years, commencing on the date

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that the first licensed facility becomes operational.

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     (g) The department shall provide an annual report of its findings and recommendations to

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the general assembly and governor no later than January 31st of each year beginning in 2014.

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     (h) After three (3) years of operations, the department shall provide an analysis

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demonstrating outcomes related to the pilot program to the general assembly and governor.

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     SECTION 2. Transportation options shall be coordinated and developed by a local city/or

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town, in conjunction with the department of health, prior to the pilot program implementation.

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Funding for alternative transportation is not part of the pilot program.

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     SECTION 3. This act shall take effect upon passage.

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EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

A N A C T

RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- ALCOHOLISM

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     This act would establish a pilot alternative program, under the authority of the department

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of behavioral healthcare, developmental disabilities and hospitals, to help those individuals

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impaired by substance abuse.

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     This act would take effect upon passage.

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LC01313

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