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SB 2049

AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- CORRECTIONS DEPARTMENT

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jonathon Acosta and 9 co-sponsors

Rhode Island will provide FDA-approved medication for opioid use disorder to incarcerated individuals, with individualized plans and post-release continuity of care.

05/01/2026 Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (05/07/2026)
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Bill Summary · SB 2049

Summary of Bill SB 2049 (Rhode Island, 2026)

Purpose and Intent

  • Establishes a formal program within Rhode Island’s adult corrections system to provide Medication for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD) to incarcerated individuals.
  • Aims to treat opioid use disorder (OUD) among inmates using FDA-approved medications, with individualized treatment plans, and to support successful reentry post-release.

Key Provisions

Definition

  • MOUD means treatment for opioid use disorder using FDA-approved medications that require a prescription or order from an authorized prescriber.

Program Establishment and Scope

  • The Rhode Island Department of Corrections (DOC) must establish and administer a MOUD program at adult correctional institutions.
  • The program must include all FDA-approved MOUD options and tailor treatment duration to the inmate’s incarceration period.
  • Each participant receives an individualized treatment plan, including an appropriate level of counseling.

Screening and Eligibility

  • Upon admission, inmates must be screened for OUD within 24 hours as part of ongoing assessment.
  • If diagnosed with OUD and FDA-approved medications are appropriate, the inmate shall be offered enrollment in the MOUD program. Enrollment is voluntary.
  • Inmates already on MOUD by prescription prior to incarceration may continue receiving that medication pending medical evaluation.

Participation and Conduct

  • No inmate shall be denied participation based on a positive initial drug screen or intake status.
  • No disciplinary action may be taken for a positive drug screen solely due to entry into the MOUD program.
  • Neither removal from nor denial of participation shall occur due to disciplinary infractions incurred before or during participation.

Clinical Oversight

  • Decisions about medication type, dosage, and duration are to be made by qualified, licensed healthcare professionals authorized to administer MOUD.
  • Clinical judgments to discontinue a medication must be documented in the inmate’s medical record, with a clear written and oral explanation to the inmate and notification to the community-based prescriber if consent is provided.

Re-entry and Continuation of Care

  • The program must include a re-entry strategy, including:
    • Information on local treatment facilities, housing, and employment resources.
    • Sharing accurate information with parole officers to ensure continued, lawful use of prescribed medications post-release.

Reporting and Evaluation

  • The DOC must submit an annual report to the Governor and General Assembly (within one year of enactment and thereafter) evaluating program effectiveness.
  • Reports should analyze: participant outcomes (discipline, reentry rates, etc.), institutional safety and performance, and recommendations for potential legislative improvements.

Legal and Regulatory Framework

  • The act does not alter provider-patient relationships or override existing state/federal laws, regulations, or guidelines governing opioid treatment programs outside correctional settings.
  • MOUD administration should generally align with the community standard of care and applicable diversion control plans.

Effective Date

  • This act takes effect January 1, 2027.

Potential Impact

  • Increased access to evidence-based treatment for incarcerated individuals with OUD.
  • Potential reductions in disciplinary issues related to substance use and improved reentry outcomes (housing, employment, continuity of care).
  • Enhanced coordination with community providers to ensure continuity of MOUD after release.
  • Requires DOC to develop screening, treatment, and record-keeping processes, plus annual reporting to assess effectiveness and inform future policy.

Who Is Affected

  • Incarcerated individuals in Rhode Island adult correctional institutions diagnosed with opioid use disorder.
  • Department of Corrections operational staff, healthcare providers, and contracted prescribers.
  • Parole officers and community-based treatment providers involved in post-release care.

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

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