The bill amends Chapter 27-18 of the General Laws, focusing on "Accident and Sickness Insurance Policies," to include guidelines for emergency medical services (EMS) transport to alternative facilities and coverage for mental health and substance use disorder treatment. It defines key terms related to EMS and establishes a mobile integrated healthcare/community paramedicine program, which allows EMS agencies approved by the Department of Health to divert non-emergency calls to facilities such as community health clinics and behavioral health facilities. The bill mandates that from January 1, 2025, health insurance must cover transport to these facilities at rates not lower than for basic life support transport to an emergency department. It also empowers the Department of Health and the office of the health insurance commissioner to create rules and regulations for the administration of these services.

Furthermore, the bill allows licensed providers to evaluate and treat mental health and substance use disorders in the community, and requires health insurance to cover these services at rates not lower than those for traditional office settings. It specifies that EMS can bill for services at rates set by the executive office of health and human services, even if an advanced life support assessment was provided, as long as the transport to an alternative facility is appropriate. The bill also includes provisions for Rhode Island Medicaid and its contracted managed care entities to provide coverage for transport to these alternative facilities. The act is set to take effect upon passage.