This bill amends various chapters of the General Laws to establish coverage for emergency medical services (EMS) related to mental health and substance use disorder treatment. It defines "emergency medical services" and allows licensed providers to accompany EMS teams to evaluate and treat patients in the community when medically necessary and appropriate. The bill also permits EMS to transport patients to designated facilities, including emergency room diversion facilities and community-based behavioral health facilities.

Commencing January 1, 2027, all individual or group health insurance contracts, plans, or policies issued for delivery or renewed in this state that provide medical coverage including EMS must also cover the evaluation and treatment of mental health disorders, reimbursing these services at rates not lower than those for similar services delivered in a traditional office setting. Additionally, the bill mandates that Rhode Island Medicaid and its contracted managed care entities provide coverage for transportation, evaluation, and treatment as described, reimbursing these services at rates comparable to those for transport to an emergency department.

The Department of Health, in collaboration with the ambulance service coordinating advisory board, is tasked with promulgating necessary rules, regulations, standing orders, protocols, and procedures for the efficient administration and enforcement of these provisions. The Office of the Health Insurance Commissioner may also promulgate rules and regulations to effectuate the purpose and ensure efficient administration and enforcement of this section.