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.
All Medicaid programs operated by EOHHS would not reimburse home care providers less than fee-for-service rates adopted by rate review recommendations of the office of health insurance commissioners.
Requires the department of children, youth and families (DCYF) to conduct periodic comprehensive needs assessments to determine whether the department’s programs and services meet the needs of children and families.
Requires the department of children, youth and families (DCYF) to conduct periodic comprehensive needs assessments to determine whether the department's programs and services meet the needs of children and families.
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.
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.
Expands the deinstitutionalization subsidy aid program in the department of behavioral healthcare, developmental disabilities and hospitals to include adoptive parent(s) or siblings(s).