The bill amends various chapters of the General Laws to establish a framework for mobile integrated healthcare and community paramedicine programs, allowing approved emergency medical services (EMS) agencies to divert non-emergency calls from emergency departments to alternative facilities such as primary care providers, community health clinics, urgent care facilities, and behavioral health facilities.

Starting January 1, 2026, health insurance contracts will be required to cover transport to these alternative facilities and reimburse EMS at the same rate as for emergency department transports. The bill also allows licensed mental health providers to accompany EMS teams to evaluate and treat patients with mental health and substance use disorders in the community.

Furthermore, the bill mandates that Rhode Island Medicaid and its managed care entities provide coverage for transportation to alternative facilities and for treatment by licensed providers for mental health and substance use disorders. The reimbursement rates for these services will be determined by the executive office of health and human services, ensuring they are comparable to traditional office settings or emergency department transports.

The Department of Health, in collaboration with the ambulance service coordinating advisory board, will oversee the administration of these programs and establish necessary regulations for effective implementation.