Rhode Island House Bill H5228

Rhode Island 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/29/25
• Refer: 1/29/25

Caption

Ensures that more developmentally disabled adults can self-direct the care they need and want, by incorporating collective bargaining rights into the self-directed supports program.

Impact

The passage of H5228 is expected to significantly impact the state's existing laws regarding behavioral healthcare and support for individuals with developmental disabilities. It establishes a framework for collective bargaining specifically for self-directed direct support professionals, which may lead to improved compensation and working conditions. Notably, the act maintains the authority of state officials to regulate the self-directed supports program while also protecting the rights of participants and their representatives to control the services they receive and the associated costs.

Summary

House Bill H5228, titled the 'Quality Self-Directed Supports Act of 2025,' aims to enhance the provision of personal care services to adults with developmental disabilities in Rhode Island. The primary goal of this act is to bridge the gap between the rising demand for personal care services and the limited supply of trained personnel. By raising wages and benefits for self-directed direct support professionals, the bill seeks to improve retention and recruitment, thereby ensuring that more individuals can receive the care they need and desire. Additionally, this legislation incorporates collective bargaining rights to facilitate better service access and increase training opportunities for these professionals.

Contention

While H5228 presents several benefits, it also raises points of contention regarding potential tensions between state oversight and individual choice. Supporters argue that increasing wages and establishing collective bargaining will attract and retain more qualified professionals, ultimately leading to better care for individuals with developmental disabilities. However, there are concerns about how these changes might influence the state's budget, regulations, and the flexibility of service delivery options, as well as the implications for participant control over support services.