The bill amends Chapter 27-18 of the General Laws, introducing new sections that establish guidelines for emergency medical services (EMS) transport to alternate facilities and coverage of emergency medical services for mental health and substance use disorder treatment. It defines terms such as "Basic life support" (BLS), "Emergency medical services" (EMS), and "Mobile integrated healthcare community paramedicine," and sets forth conditions for EMS agencies to participate in a mobile integrated healthcare/community paramedicine program. This program allows EMS to divert non-emergency BLS calls from emergency departments to alternative facilities. The bill mandates that from January 1, 2025, health insurance contracts must cover transport to these facilities and reimburse EMS at the same rate as for BLS transport to an emergency department. It also requires insurance coverage for licensed providers to evaluate and treat mental health and substance use disorders in the community at rates not lower than traditional office settings.

The bill empowers the office of the health insurance commissioner to promulgate rules and regulations necessary for the administration and enforcement of these provisions. It also amends Chapter 27-20 of the General Laws by adding sections that define "basic life support" and "mobile integrated healthcare/community paramedicine," authorizing EMS agencies that meet Department of Health requirements to participate in mobile integrated healthcare/community paramedicine programs. The bill further requires the Department of Health and the office of the health insurance commissioner to establish necessary rules and regulations, and it stipulates that Rhode Island Medicaid and its contracted managed care entities must provide coverage for transport to these alternative facilities. The bill is designed to enhance the flexibility and responsiveness of emergency medical services, particularly in the context of mental health and substance use emergencies, and is set to take effect upon passage.