The bill amends the "Healthcare Services Funding Plan Act" in Rhode Island by introducing a new healthcare services funding contribution that includes a psychiatry resource network funding requirement. Insurers are required to pay this contribution for each enrollee, with the rate being set annually by the secretary. The contribution is calculated by adding the child and adult immunization funding requirements, the children’s health services funding requirement, and the new psychiatry resource network funding requirement, then dividing by the number of contribution enrollees of all insurers. The bill specifies that this contribution is in addition to any other fees or assessments upon the insurer allowed by law. It also outlines a process for transitioning to this new funding method to ensure adequate funding and avoid duplicate liability for insurers.

Additionally, the bill establishes a new section within the "Department of Health" laws to create a restricted receipt account known as the "PRN account," effective July 1, 2023. This account will be used exclusively to fund existing Rhode Island lines like PediPRN and MomsPRN, as well as any additional information lines, referral services, or hotlines funded by the department of health. The funding requirement for the psychiatry resource network will include projected costs for these services, a 10% contingency for unexpected expenses, and any projected carryover of excess funds from prior assessments. The department of health is required to submit an annual report on the program and its costs to the general assembly and provide detailed information to insurers upon request. The "PRN account" will be exempt from indirect costs recovery provisions. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2023.

Statutes affected:
5522: 42-7.4-3