Bill > H5461

This bill amends Rhode Island's existing Healthcare Services Funding Plan Act to establish a new Psychiatry Resource Network (PRN) account within the state's general fund, specifically to support existing healthcare information lines like PediPRN (for pediatric services) and MomsPRN (for maternal services). The bill adds a new funding mechanism by requiring insurers to contribute to this account, with the contribution calculated based on the number of enrollees and the projected costs of the PRN services. The legislation creates a PRN advisory committee comprising representatives from various state health agencies and insurers to help oversee the account, and mandates that the Department of Health submit an annual report to the general assembly detailing the program's activities and costs. Importantly, the bill exempts the PRN account from standard indirect cost recovery rules, meaning that the funds can be used exclusively for the intended PRN services without being subject to the typical 10% transfer to general revenues. The new funding and account structure will take effect on July 1, 2025, providing a dedicated funding source for these important healthcare information and referral services in Rhode Island.

Budget and Finance

https://status.rilegislature.gov/