Rhode Island Senate Bill S0132

Rhode Island 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/1/23
• Refer: 2/1/23

Caption

Department Of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities And Hospitals

Impact

The bill aims to promote the general welfare of citizens, enhancing support for families by easing the financial burden associated with caring for individuals with developmental disabilities. By offering subsidy aid to qualified parent applicants and approved relatives, this legislation seeks to create more sustainable family-based care alternatives, thereby promoting the deinstitutionalization of residents from state facilities.

Summary

Senate Bill S0132 proposes the expansion of the deinstitutionalization subsidy aid program under the Rhode Island Department of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities, and Hospitals. This act, initiated by Senators Raptakis, de la Cruz, Euer, Murray, and Acosta, intends to broaden the scope of eligible caregivers for individuals with disabilities or who require behavioral health services. Specifically, it allows adoptive parents and siblings of these individuals to receive financial assistance when they take on caregiving responsibilities.

Contention

Despite the intended benefits of S0132, there may be some contention regarding its implementation. Critics could express concerns about the adequacy and sufficiency of the subsidies provided. There might also be debates around the qualifications for caregivers, particularly the definitions of 'appropriate relative' and 'qualified parent applicant.' These definitions, set by the director of the department, could become focal points for discussions about eligibility and access to the support services intended by the legislation.

Further_notes

In addition to the financial assistance provided, the bill also mandates the establishment of regulations to ensure that care provided under this program meets appropriate standards. This includes periodic evaluations and the director's authority to intervene if the care provided is not in the best interests of the individual. The bill reflects a broader movement towards supporting families in caring for their loved ones, aligning with the state's commitment to deinstitutionalization.