Requires EOHHS to establish a 1-year pilot program for nutritional assistance and medically tailored meals, groceries and produce for peoples with diet-related diseases or food insecurity, and other interventions where there is a clinical need.
Impact
The pilot program is set to include a minimum of two cohorts, each consisting of at least 142 participants, who will receive services for a duration of six months. The program stipulates that the state will aim to maximize federal funding for these services while resorting to state-only funds only when necessary. The introduction of the program is supported by an appropriation of $1.5 million in the fiscal year 2026 budget to ensure its implementation. A report detailing the program's health outcomes and financial impacts will be submitted to the general assembly following the pilot's conclusion.
Summary
Bill S0333, introduced in the Rhode Island General Assembly, mandates the establishment of a one-year pilot program focused on providing nutritional assistance and medically tailored meals to individuals suffering from diet-related diseases and food insecurity. This program, which seeks to be evidence-based, will offer services such as fruit and vegetable prescriptions and nutrition education aimed at beneficiaries who demonstrate clinical need. The initiative recognizes the intersection of diet and chronic health conditions, particularly targeting individuals with three or more chronic ailments.
Duration
The provisions of S0333 are set to expire on July 1, 2027, compelling the evaluating authority to assess the program within a defined timeframe. This temporary nature may foster a sense of urgency in assessing its outcomes and benefits, potentially influencing future decisions on the expansion of such health initiatives across the state.
Contention
While the bill presents a progressive approach to addressing food insecurity and related health issues, it may raise concerns for some stakeholders regarding the long-term sustainability and funding of such initiatives. Furthermore, the necessity for the Executive Office of Health and Human Services to pursue federal waivers to facilitate the program's enforcement could introduce regulatory complexities. Critics may argue about the efficacy of pilot programs versus permanent legislative solutions, particularly in ensuring lasting impacts on public health.
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.
Requires the EOHHS to establish an early childhood mental health hub program focused on improving access to infant and early childhood mental health services for children under the age of six years (6) and their families.
Requires the DOH and the EOHHS to collaborate with community health centers to establish new programs designed to attract federal funds, with a focus on the utilization of Teaching Health Center Graduate Medical Education programs.
Extends the sunset date of the Rhode Island hope scholarship pilot program act from 2028 to 2030, in order to allow the program to provide eligible students with funding for tuition and mandatory fees for an additional two (2) years.
Extends the sunset date of the Rhode Island hope scholarship pilot program from 2028 to 2030, in order to allow the program to provide eligible students with funding for tuition and mandatory fees for an additional two (2) years.
Establishes and fund an affordable housing pilot program at reduced rents to be administered by the state department of housing with an appropriation of three million dollars ($3,000,000) for fiscal year 2024-2025.
Establishes the Healthy Kids Act whereby restaurants would be required to offer at least two (2) healthy versions of children's meals, or twenty-five percent (25%) of the children's meals on its menu, whichever is greater.