2026 -- S 2671

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LC005544

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2026

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A N   A C T

RELATING TO HUMAN SERVICES -- MEDICAL ASSISTANCE

     Introduced By: Senators Mack, Quezada, DiMario, Gu, Murray, Kallman, Lauria,
Ujifusa, Valverde, and de la Cruz

     Date Introduced: February 27, 2026

     Referred To: Senate Finance

     It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

     SECTION 1. Chapter 40-8 of the General Laws entitled "Medical Assistance" is hereby

amended by adding thereto the following section:

     40-8-33. Licensed certified lactation counselor -- Medicaid coverage.

     (a) As used in this section, “licensed certified lactation counselor” means a trained

professional who holds a licensure and certification by the department of health in accordance with

chapter 13.8 of title 23. Licensed certified lactation counselors provide services in assessment,

evaluation, problem identification, treatment, education, and consultation to provide lactation care

and services to childbearing families, and infant children from birth to twelve (12) months old

within the scope of practice pursuant to § 23-13.8-9.

     (b) The executive office of health and human services (“EOHHS”) shall provide coverage

under the Medicaid program for services provided by a licensed certified lactation counselor, when

such services are within the counselor’s lawful scope of practice and are otherwise eligible for

coverage under the Medicaid state plan or a waiver approved by the Centers for Medicare and

Medicaid Services.

     (c) Reimbursement for services provided by a licensed certified lactation counselor shall

be made in accordance with Medicaid reimbursement principles and methodologies applicable to

other maternal and child health providers for comparable services. No requirement for physician or

other provider supervision, signature, or referral shall be imposed unless such requirement is

imposed on other providers for the same service.

     (d) The EOHHS shall promulgate rules and regulations necessary to implement this section

including, but not limited to, credentialing and enrollment requirements for licensed certified

lactation counselors participating as Medicaid providers.

     (e) On or before July 1, 2028, and annually thereafter, the EOHHS shall collect and

maintain data on utilization and expenditures related to services provided by licensed certified

lactation counselors to Medicaid beneficiaries.

     (f) Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, unless otherwise specified,

the provisions of this section shall supersede and shall control over any conflicting or inconsistent

laws, including general laws, special laws, or local laws, or any rule or regulation of the state.

     SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.

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EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

A N   A C T

RELATING TO HUMAN SERVICES -- MEDICAL ASSISTANCE

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     This act would require Medicaid to cover services by licensed certified lactation counselors

and the executive office of health and human services (EOHHS) to oversee and implement the

program and track related costs and use. It would also ensure reimbursement consistent with similar

providers.

     This act would take effect upon passage.

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