The Personal Choice Self-directed Personal Care Services Act of 2023 is designed to enhance self-direction and consumer choice in long-term care in Rhode Island by merging the Independent Provider program into the Personal Choice Program. The merger aims to streamline service delivery, increase efficiency, and make it easier for consumers to self-direct their care. It also transfers collective bargaining rights from the Independent Provider program to the Personal Choice program to improve access to services, education, training, and the recruitment and retention of individual providers. The act mandates a smooth transition for participants with at least 60 days' notice before the Independent Provider program ceases operations.

The bill amends the definitions related to Medicaid Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS), redefining "Individual provider" and updating "Medicaid LTSS beneficiary" to "Medicaid LTSS participant." It introduces "self-directed personal care services" and outlines the secretary's authority over employment terms for individual providers, including compensation, while preserving participants' rights to manage their providers. Wage ranges for individual providers are set and may be subject to collective bargaining, but individual providers are not considered state employees. The bill details the implementation process, transition of participants, federal approvals, and certification of the merger's completion. It ensures that collective bargaining agreements will not affect Medicaid funding or service levels. Insertions in the bill include provisions for collective bargaining, effective date, duties of the executive office, implementation details, and protections for program administration and participant rights. No deletions are indicated in the provided text.

Statutes affected:
5991  SUB A as amended: 40-8.15-9
5991  SUB A: 40-8.15-9
5991: 40-8.15-9