The proposed bill, HB 8171, establishes a Food-as-Medicine Pilot Program in Rhode Island, aimed at addressing diet-related chronic diseases. To facilitate this program, a Food-as-Medicine Task Force will be created within the Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS). The task force will consist of various members, including healthcare officials, representatives from managed Medicaid insurers, commercial healthcare insurers, hospital systems, academic institutions, not-for-profit medically tailored meal providers, and members of the Rhode Island General Assembly.

The task force's responsibilities include developing recommendations for the design, scope, and implementation of the pilot program. This includes identifying specific populations that experience a disproportionate burden of diet-related chronic diseases, defining eligibility criteria for participation, identifying evidence-based food-as-medicine interventions, assessing collaboration opportunities with community-based service providers and healthcare organizations, evaluating reimbursement and financing mechanisms, and examining data collection and reporting requirements.

The bill authorizes the EOHHS to seek federal approval to implement the pilot program for eligible Medicaid beneficiaries, including the possibility of submitting an application for a section 1115 waiver under the Social Security Act. The task force is required to submit a report of its findings and recommendations to the governor, the speaker of the house of representatives, and the president of the senate by December 31, 2026. The act will take effect upon passage.