Rhode Island 2026 Regular Session

Rhode Island House Bill H8174

Introduced
2/27/26  

Caption

Requires Rhode Island Medicaid to cover services provided by licensed certified professional midwives and to collect utilization and cost data, while allowing limits consistent with Medicaid rules.

Impact

Once enacted, H8174 is expected to enhance access to maternal healthcare services for Medicaid beneficiaries by allowing CPMs to bill Medicaid directly for their services. This change brings midwifery services in line with other forms of maternity care that are already covered, thus addressing a significant gap in services. The bill also includes a provision that the Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS) will collect and maintain data on the utilization and expenditures related to services provided by CPMs, enhancing oversight and evaluation of these services.

Summary

House Bill H8174 aims to expand healthcare services under Rhode Island's Medicaid program by requiring coverage for services provided by licensed Certified Professional Midwives (CPMs). The bill defines a CPM as a trained professional who holds accreditation and is licensed to practice midwifery. This legislative effort reflects the growing recognition of midwifery as a legitimate and essential component of maternal healthcare, particularly for those who prefer alternative forms of support during pregnancy and childbirth.

Contention

While the bill has broad support among advocates of midwifery and women's health, there may be concerns regarding regulatory oversight and integration into the existing healthcare system. Critics may argue about the quality of care provided by CPMs compared to traditional hospital settings, as well as the implications for physician oversight. However, the bill specifically states that no requirements for physician supervision or referrals shall be imposed unless equivalent requirements are in place for other service providers. This element could lead to discussions about safety standards and the balance between access and quality of care.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI S0479

Requires health insurance plans to cover services provided by licensed certified professional midwives. Insurers must report utilization and cost data annually. Certain limited benefit policies are exempt.

RI S0478

Establishes the scope of a certified professional midwife’s authority relating to prescribing medication to patients.

RI H5858

Establishes the scope of a certified professional midwife’s authority relating to prescribing medication to patients.

RI S0874

Provides that licensed independent clinical social workers be able to enroll and bill Medicaid directly for covered services provided to adults with Medicaid fee-for-service coverage.

RI H5078

Provides that licensed independent clinical social workers be able to enroll and bill Medicaid directly for covered services provided to adults with Medicaid fee-for-service coverage.

RI H5486

Requires certified athletic trainers to be trained in the administration of epinephrine auto-injectors (epi-pens) and would require such professionals to be equipped with the medication while performing professional activities.

RI S0321

Requires certified athletic trainers to be trained in the administration of epinephrine auto-injectors (epi-pens) and would require such professionals to be equipped with the medication while performing professional activities.

RI S0696

Authorizes an increase in resource eligibility limits for persons with long-term-care needs who reside at home and requires semi-annual reports from Medicaid certified assisted living facilities and adult day service providers to the EOHHS.

RI H6074

Authorizes an increase in resource eligibility limits for persons with long-term-care needs who reside at home and requires semi-annual reports from Medicaid certified assisted living facilities and adult day service providers to the EOHHS.

RI H6373

Requires the executive office of health and human services to increase Medicaid payment rates for primary care services furnished by primary care providers to be commensurate with Medicare rates.

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