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SB 3066

AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- CHILDREN'S MOBILE RESPONSE AND STABILIZATION SERVICES

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Frank Ciccone and 4 co-sponsors

Establishes a statewide, 24/7 Children’s Mobile Response and Stabilization Services that provides rapid, in-home crisis care for all Rhode Island youth under 21, regardless of insu

06/22/2026 Signed by Governor
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 3066

Overview

  • Bill: SB 3066
  • Session: 2026
  • Jurisdiction: Rhode Island
  • Title: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- CHILDREN'S MOBILE RESPONSE AND STABILIZATION SERVICES
  • Purpose: Establish a statewide, stand-alone Children's Mobile Response and Stabilization Services (MRSS) program to provide rapid crisis response and short-term stabilization for children and youth (under 21) in their natural environments, funded through a braided mix of Medicaid, commercial insurance, and state general revenue. Ensure 24/7 access, avoid unnecessary emergency department use, and promote continuity of care.

Main Purpose and Intent

  • Create a dedicated MRSS system as a statewide behavioral health service for children and youth.
  • Align MRSS with the Children's Behavioral Health Consent Decree and ensure equitable access regardless of insurance status.
  • Provide timely, trauma-informed, community-based crisis intervention to prevent escalation to inpatient care or out-of-home placements.

Key Provisions and Changes

  • Establishment and Structure

    • Creates Chapter 42-72.13: Children’s Mobile Response and Stabilization Services.
    • Defines terms: braided funding, designated MRSS provider, MRSS components, natural environment, etc.
    • MRSS is statewide, 24/7, with no required prior authorization, referral, or intake for initiation.

  • Service Delivery Standards

    • In-person mobile response within 60 minutes of initial contact unless contraindicated.
    • Core components: crisis assessment and de-escalation; family engagement; short-term stabilization; transition planning and linkage to ongoing supports.
    • MRSS teams must have at least two staff, including one licensed behavioral health clinician; access to supervision and psychiatric consultation 24/7.
    • Emphasis on cultural and linguistic competence; accessibility for individuals with disabilities.
    • Coordination with crisis lines (e.g., 988, Kids’ Link RI) but MRSS remains independent in clinical decision-making.
    • Coordination with Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHCs) without making MRSS dependent on them.

  • Eligibility, Access, and Delivery

    • Available to all children/youth under 21 statewide, regardless of Medicaid status.
    • No limits based on insurance; no geographic restrictions for access.
    • Services delivered in the child’s natural environment when clinically appropriate.

  • Funding and Reimbursement (Braided Model)

    • Funding through Medicaid (for eligible children) and state general revenue for non-Medicaid-eligible youth.
    • Single, unified payment to providers; no separate billing streams by insurance type.
    • Families cannot be charged fees, co-pays, or cost sharing.
    • State funds can be used to leverage federal match where possible.
    • MRSS classified as essential during budget reductions; requires public impact analysis and 30-day notice before any funding reduction.

  • Funding Levels and Requirements

    • FY 2027: $900,000 General Revenue appropriated to EOHH to support uninsured/underinsured MRSS and non-reimbursed costs.
    • From FY 2028 onward: Annual General Revenue to ensure statewide access, with minimums of $1,000,000 (subject to future acts).
    • Department and Medicaid agency must certify annually the total funding needed to maintain compliance with the chapter and consent decree, specifying Medicaid vs. state support.

  • Medicaid Coverage

    • MRSS designated as a covered Medicaid service for eligible children/youth (including EPSDT).
    • State plans/waivers may be pursued as needed; Medicaid managed care plans must include MRSS.
    • No prior authorization, visit caps, geographic restrictions, or utilization management for MRSS.

  • Provider Designation and Oversight

    • DCYF to certify and contract with designated MRSS providers.
    • Prioritize experienced child/adolescent crisis providers, existing mobile crisis providers, and geographic coverage.
    • Contracts set reimbursement rates, performance standards, reporting, and care coordination expectations.

  • Oversight, Reporting, and Rulemaking

    • DCYF to collect data on utilization, response times, outcomes, and cost avoidance.
    • Annual report to Governor and General Assembly by January 1 detailing utilization, funding, outcomes, and recommended changes.
    • Rules to establish statewide mutual aid for high demand periods; define crisis-related terms (e.g., screen-in standard, mutual aid).

  • Effective Date

    • Takes effect upon passage.

Who Will Be Affected

  • Children and youth under 21 in Rhode Island (and their families) needing behavioral health crisis services.
  • Designated MRSS providers (community-based) responsible for delivering services.
  • Rhode Island Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF) and the state Medicaid agency (EOHHS) coordinating funding, contracting, and oversight.
  • Families and caregivers, who will access services without fees and with enhanced care coordination.
  • State and federal funding streams, including potential Medicaid matching funds.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduced: March 12, 2026
  • Referred to Senate Health & Human Services
  • Committee recommended hold for further study: March 24, 2026
  • Scheduled for consideration: May 19, 2026
  • Effective Date: Upon passage

Potential Impacts and Implications

  • Potentially reduces emergency department visits, inpatient admissions, and out-of-home placements by providing rapid, in-context crisis stabilization.
  • Improves access to crisis services for uninsured/underinsured children through a dedicated state-funded component.
  • Creates a standardized, statewide MRSS system with clear standards, supervision, and cultural/linguistic competence.
  • Establishes a data-driven oversight framework to monitor utilization, outcomes, and cost savings, tied to consent decree compliance.
  • Encourages coordination across crisis hotlines, schools, healthcare providers, law enforcement, and child welfare while preserving clinical autonomy of MRSS providers.

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

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