Rhode Island 2026 Regular Session

Rhode Island Senate Bill S2882

Introduced
3/4/26  

Caption

Ensures that more developmentally disabled adults can self-direct the care they need and want, by incorporating collective bargaining rights into the self-directed supports program.

Impact

The proposed law incorporates collective bargaining rights into the self-directed supports program, which is intended to improve service access, education and training options, and recruitment and retention of direct support professionals. While the act does not undermine the authority of state officials to oversee the program, it reaffirms the rights of participants and their representatives to select, direct, and terminate their own care professionals. By establishing wage ranges for these professionals, the bill not only seeks to elevate pay standards but also ensures accountability and quality in the care provided.

Summary

Bill S2882, known as the Quality Self-Directed Supports Act of 2026, aims to address the critical gap between the demand for personal care services for developmentally disabled adults and the supply of trained workers. The legislation emphasizes the importance of investing in self-directed personal care jobs, which includes raising wages and offering better benefits for direct support professionals. This approach is designed to empower individuals with developmental disabilities to self-direct their care, enhancing their ability to access necessary services in alignment with their preferences and needs.

Contention

Opponents may argue that the inclusion of collective bargaining rights could complicate the existing structure of service provision and introduce potential disputes about wages and employment conditions. Conversely, proponents assert that empowering direct support professionals through collective bargaining is essential for creating a stable workforce capable of meeting the diverse needs of individuals with disabilities. Overall, the bill’s dual focus on participant rights and professional standards marks a significant shift in how personal care services are delivered and regulated in Rhode Island.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI H5228

Ensures that more developmentally disabled adults can self-direct the care they need and want, by incorporating collective bargaining rights into the self-directed supports program.

RI S0247

Provides that the early intervention program for developmentally disabled infants be under the jurisdiction of the executive office of health and human services (EOHHS).

RI H5462

Provides that the early intervention program for developmentally disabled infants be under the jurisdiction of the executive office of health and human services (EOHHS).

RI H5773

Provides that shared living for older adults and adults with disabilities allow individuals to receive care from family caregivers, related or unrelated regardless of whether they are performing other activities, such as power of attorney for individual.

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 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 H5719

Advances the interests of older Rhode Islanders by adding a representative of an aging adult organization and a permanent committee on aging to the state planning council and creates a permanent legislative commission on aging adults.

RI S0905

Prohibits dental insurers from refusing to honor directions to pay from insured, modifying benefits to be paid. Requires providers to accept payment by virtual credit card as unfair claims practices.

RI H6155

Prohibits dental insurers from refusing to honor directions to pay from insured, modifying benefits to be paid. Requires providers to accept payment by virtual credit card as unfair claims practices.

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.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.