2026 -- S 2257

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LC003912

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2026

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S E N A T E   R E S O L U T I O N

RESPECTFULLY REQUESTING THE EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF HEALTH AND HUMAN

SERVICES (EOHHS) TO ADOPT AN ELECTRONIC PREADMISSION SCREENING AND

RESIDENT REVIEW (PASRR) SYSTEM

     Introduced By: Senators DiMario, DiPalma, Murray, Lauria, Zurier, Acosta, Valverde,
Gallo, and Vargas

     Date Introduced: January 23, 2026

     Referred To: Senate Health & Human Services

     WHEREAS, The PASRR system is a federal requirement to evaluate individuals seeking

admission to Medicaid-certified nursing facilities for serious mental illness or

intellectual/developmental disabilities; and

     WHEREAS, Most states have transitioned from paper-based submissions to an electronic

PASRR system, which is a digital platform used to manage the federally mandated screening

process. Rhode Island is one of the only states, if not the only state, to have not yet converted; and

     WHEREAS, Benefits of adopting an electronic PASRR system include:

     • Protects Vulnerable Individuals: It identifies people with SMI/IDD to prevent

them from being unnecessarily institutionalized in nursing facilities;

     • Promotes Least Restrictive Settings: Ensures people are placed in the most

appropriate, least restrictive environment, often in the community, when possible;

     • Supports Community-Based Care: Facilitates home and community-based

services (HCBS) for more independence and freedom;

     • Informed Choice & Dignity: Offers individuals and families awareness of

alternatives to nursing homes, supporting person-centered care;

     • Ensures Appropriate Services: Guarantees that necessary specialized mental

health or IDD services are identified and provided;

     • Rebalances Long-Term Services: Helps states shift resources from institutional

care to community support; and

     • Reduces Readmissions: By connecting individuals with needed supports, it

lowers the risk of hospital readmissions; now, therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That this Senate of the State of Rhode Island hereby respectfully requests

the RI Executive Office of Health and Human Services to:

     • Investigate the potential cost savings and advantages to entering into a

Memorandum of understanding (MUO) with neighboring states in implementing an electronic

PASRR system;

     • Investigate potential grant funding and Federal Funding for the adoption of an

electronic PASRR system; and

     • Establish and implement the electronic PASRR System no later than January 1,

2027; and be it further

     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to

transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to the Honorable Governor Daniel McKee, and

Richard Charest III, R.Ph, MBA, Secretary, Executive Office of Health and Human Services.

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LC003912

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