The bill proposes an amendment to Chapter 40.1-21 of the General Laws, specifically adding a new section that mandates a workload study for social caseworkers II within the Division of Developmental Disabilities of the Department of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities and Hospitals (BHDDH). The study, directed by the department's director, aims to determine the optimal caseload limits for these caseworkers. The study is to be completed and reported back to the General Assembly by January 15, 2025, and must include a scientific time measurement of the caseworkers' duties, minimum essential workload standards, best practices standards, staffing needs calculations, projections for caseload growth, and considerations for achieving positive client outcomes and reducing worker turnover.

Until the completion of the study, the bill sets an interim caseload limit of 150 clients per social caseworker II. BHDDH is required to begin posting new social caseworker II positions within 30 days of the bill's enactment to ensure that caseloads do not exceed this limit. The act will take effect immediately upon passage. There are no deletions from the current law mentioned in the bill.