Authorizes reassessment of taxes on new construction from the date of issuance of the certificate of occupancy or the date it is first used, whichever is the earlier.
Authorizes the executive office of health and human services to establish a program providing coverage for nutritional assistance and medically tailored meals for certain beneficiaries where there is a clinical need.
Provides for an appropriation by the general assembly in the amount of two million dollars ($2,000,000) to the various school districts and municipalities to employ additional social workers.
Includes immediate family members and related parties to be included in the definitions applicable to the chapter and require that information for nursing facility applicants for initial licensure or change of ownership.
Restricts audits of pharmacists conducted by insurers and their intermediaries, limiting audits to 1 per year unless fraud or misrepresentation is reasonably suspected. The Rhode Island attorney would have the authority to impose sanctions for violations.
Limits the use by insurers of step therapy, a protocol that establishes a specific sequence in which prescription drugs for a specified medical condition are covered by an insurer, by allowing medical providers to request step therapy exceptions.
Requires that any insurance contract issued, amended or renewed on or after January 1, 2025, that provides hospital, medical or surgical coverage shall provide coverage for medically necessary treatment of mental health or substance use disorders.
Adds a new section which sets forth conditions for pharmacists to prescribe tobacco cessation/drug therapies, programs approved by the state board of pharmacy. The cessation therapies would be covered by all health insurance carriers on or after 1/1/25.
Requires health plans that provide prescription benefits to cover at least one type of glucagon auto-injector, nasal spray, or formulation that does not require reconstitution to treat hypoglycemia. No copayment or deductible would be required.
Mandates that all restaurants offering children's meals offer at least two (2) children's meals that complies with certain detailed nutritional standards set forth in the act.
Establishes a universal, comprehensive, affordable single-payer health care insurance program and helps control health care costs, which would be referred to as, "the Rhode Island Comprehensive Health Insurance Program" (RICHIP).