Rhode Island 2026 Regular Session

Rhode Island House Bill H7919

Introduced
2/27/26  

Caption

Requires the department of behavioral healthcare, developmental disabilities and hospitals to publish a statewide guide to the youth behavioral health system.

Impact

The guide will include vital information about pre-diagnosis warning signs, strategies for coping, post-diagnosis resources, and crisis intervention. It is structured to be comprehensive, addressing various levels of care and detailing pathways to access services through both public and private insurers. The implementation of this guide is anticipated to standardize the information available to families across the state, potentially improving the outcomes for youth experiencing mental health challenges. This legislative change is positioned as a positive step toward tackling the rising mental health concerns among youth.

Summary

House Bill H7919 aims to enhance support for families navigating the youth behavioral health system in Rhode Island. The bill mandates the Department of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities, and Hospitals to create a statewide youth behavioral health family navigation guide. This guide is designed to assist parents and guardians in understanding the complexities of accessing mental health services and resources available for youth. By providing clear, accessible information, the guide aims to bridge gaps in communication and support within the behavioral health system.

Contention

Notably, H7919 does not create any legal entitlements to services nor does it expand the regulatory authority of the department beyond existing laws. This provision may alleviate concerns regarding potential liability. However, the bill also highlights the ongoing challenges within the youth mental health system; advocates may argue the need for further enhancements in service availability and quality. Discussions around the legislation may involve debates over resource allocation within the healthcare system and the impact of such guides on service delivery and family navigation.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI H6128

Establishes a core state behavioral health crisis services system, to be administered by the director of the department of behavioral healthcare, developmental disabilities and hospitals.

RI H5987

Establishes a core state behavioral health crisis services system, to be administered by the director of behavioral healthcare, developmental disabilities and hospitals.

RI S0147

Expands the deinstitutionalization subsidy aid program in the department of behavioral healthcare, developmental disabilities and hospitals to include adoptive parent(s) or siblings(s).

RI H5527

Establishes a statewide standalone children's mobile response and stabilization services to address the behavioral health needs of children and youth ages 2 to 21. DCYF to oversee implementation of the program.

RI S0429

Establishes a statewide standalone children's mobile response and stabilization services to address the behavioral health needs of children and youth ages 2 to 21. DCYF to oversee implementation of the program.

RI S0460

Expands the DCYF powers by overseeing and administer comprehensive behavioral health services for children with serious emotional disturbances and children with developmental or functional disabilities.

RI H5718

Expands the DCYF powers by overseeing and administer comprehensive behavioral health services for children with serious emotional disturbances and children with developmental or functional disabilities.

RI S0463

Requires each healthcare entity/network plan to compile/report to health insurance commissioner a summary of how the healthcare entity/network plan requires its contracted providers to submit claims for in-network outpatient behavioral health services.

RI H5863

Requires each healthcare entity/network plan to compile/report to health insurance commissioner a summary of how the healthcare entity/network plan requires its contracted providers to submit claims for in-network outpatient behavioral health services.

RI H6165

Creates the PURPLE alert state system to aid in the search for a missing adult with a serious physical, behavioral health, neurological disabilities or medical condition.

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