The resolution acknowledges a behavioral health crisis in the United States, with a specific focus on Rhode Island, where a significant percentage of adults have reported experiencing mental health illnesses. Data from various surveys indicate that Rhode Islanders face increasing difficulties in accessing mental health care due to insurance issues, provider availability, and out-of-pocket costs. The resolution also notes that emergency rooms are frequently used for mental health and substance use disorder care, leading to high rates of readmission, and that there are substantial barriers to accessing treatment, including insurance-related issues, a shortage of behavioral health care providers, and long wait times for care.

In response to these challenges, the resolution calls upon the Office of the Health Insurance Commissioner (OHIC) to study and report on the inadequacy of access to behavioral health services within Rhode Island's commercial health insurance networks. The OHIC is requested to provide recommendations for addressing these issues, with a report due to the Speaker of the House, the President of the Senate, and the Governor by March 1, 2024. The Secretary of State is directed to send certified copies of the resolution to the OHIC and the Governor of Rhode Island.