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SB 2882

AN ACT RELATING TO BEHAVIORAL HEALTHCARE, DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES AND HOSPITALS -- QUALITY SELF-DIRECTED SUPPORTS ACT OF 2026

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jake Bissaillon and 6 co-sponsors

Expands access to self-directed supports by enabling collective bargaining for self-directed direct support professionals to improve wages, training, and retention.

06/18/2026 Signed by Governor
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 2882

Summary of Bill SB 2882 (Rhode Island, 2026) — Quality Self-Directed Supports Act of 2026

Purpose and Intent

  • The bill aims to expand access to self-directed personal care for adults with developmental disabilities by strengthening and formalizing a wage-based, self-directed support system.
  • It seeks to address workforce shortages by:
    • Raising wages and benefits for self-directed direct support professionals (SD-DSPs).
    • Incorporating collective bargaining rights for SD-DSPs through a provider representative, to improve recruitment, training, and retention.
  • The act clarifies that it does not alter the director’s current authority to administer the self-directed supports program, determine participant eligibility, or set service scope, except as specifically outlined in the new chapter.

Key Provisions and Changes

Creation of New Legal Framework

  • Establishes two new chapters within Title 40.1 (Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities, and Hospitals):
    • Chapter 22.2: Quality Self-Directed Supports Act of 2026
    • Chapter 22.3: Self-Directed Direct Support Professionals

Definitions (Chapter 22.2 and 22.3)

  • Defines core terms: department, developmental disability organizations (DDOs), director, fiscal intermediary, participant, participant's representative, provider representative, self-directed direct support professional (SD-DSP), and self-directed personal care services.
  • Clarifies that SD-DSPs are not state employees and that DDOs are separate entities with their own status and control.

Scope and Employment

  • SD-DSPs can provide all self-directed personal care services permitted by law, within federal/state rules.
  • Participants may choose to employ SD-DSPs or access services via provider agency employees without restriction.
  • The director has authority over employment terms, compensation, benefits, and registry requirements for SD-DSPs, but participants retain rights to hire/supervise/terminate.

Collective Bargaining and Provider Representation (Key Innovation)

  • SD-DSPs may select a provider organization to act as their exclusive negotiating representative, to bargain on:
    • Training, professional development, recruitment/retention
    • Wages, reimbursement rates, benefits
    • Payment procedures, provider qualifications
    • Grievance processes
  • The department’s licensing/regulatory responsibilities (DOH) over SD-DSPs remain unaffected; licensing is excluded from the bargaining scope.
  • A Provider Representative must fairly represent all SD-DSPs in the state, with dues and voluntary deductions processed as chosen by the SD-DSPs.

Negotiation and Impasse Process

  • The Director of Administration must negotiate in good faith with the provider representative, with written contracts resulting from negotiations.
  • If negotiations fail, impasse procedures follow established labor relations processes.

Certification, Elections, and Unfair Practices

  • Establishes procedures for certifying a provider representative via secret ballot elections.
  • Sets rules for certifications, decertifications, and the inclusion of all SD-DSPs within the bargaining unit.
  • Outlines unfair labor practices and state action exemptions related to the bargaining process.

Protections for Participants and Financial Considerations

  • Rights of families to direct and terminate SD-DSPs remain intact.
  • No strikes by SD-DSPs are authorized.
  • Any collective bargaining agreements that require new or additional state appropriations must pass through the annual budget process and appropriation timelines.
  • Implementation provisions set timelines for notifying and updating provider representatives and conducting elections.

Affected Parties and Impacts

  • Participants and Representatives: Adults with developmental disabilities who rely on self-directed supports, and their legal guardians/representatives.
  • SD-DSPs: Workers who provide in-home/personal care, now eligible for wage ranges set by the director and subject to collective bargaining.
  • Provider Organizations: Potential provider representatives and unions that would negotiate on behalf of SD-DSPs.
  • DDOs and Fiscal Intermediaries: Organizations that employ SD-DSPs or manage payroll and employment matters on behalf of participants.
  • State Agencies: Department of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities and Hospitals (BHDDH) and the Department of Administration, with coordination for bargaining, wage setting, and registry management.

Timeline and Effective Date

  • The act is to take effect upon passage.
  • Administrative and implementation steps include:
    • Certification elections for provider representatives.
    • Establishment/maintenance of a registry of qualified SD-DSPs.
    • Commencement of wage ranges and bargaining processes following provider representative certification.

Notes

  • The bill does not change the director’s ultimate authority over the self-directed supports program, participant eligibility, or service scope beyond the provisions enacted.
  • It emphasizes a pathway to improved compensation and professional development for SD-DSPs via collective bargaining, aiming to improve access and continuity of care for participants.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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