H 8175

2026 -- H 8175
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LC005545
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  STATE  OF        RHODE  ISLAND
  IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY
  JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2026
  ____________
  AN ACT
  RELATING TO HUMAN SERVICES -- MEDICAL ASSISTANCE
  Introduced By: Representatives Stewart, Tanzi, Voas, Giraldo, Furtado, Alzate, Cruz,
  Casimiro, Edwards, and Diaz
  Date Introduced: February 27, 2026
  Referred To: House Finance
It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:
1SECTION 1. Chapter 40-8 of the General Laws entitled "Medical Assistance" is hereby
2 amended by adding thereto the following section:
340-8-33. Licensed certified lactation counselor -- Medicaid coverage.
4(a) As used in this section, “licensed certified lactation counselor” means a trained
5 professional who holds a licensure and certification by the department of health in accordance with
6 chapter 13.8 of title 23. Licensed certified lactation counselors provide services in assessment,
7 evaluation, problem identification, treatment, education, and consultation to provide lactation care
8 and services to childbearing families, and infant children from birth to twelve (12) months old
9 within the scope of practice pursuant to § 23-13.8-9.
10(b) The executive office of health and human services (“EOHHS”) shall provide coverage
11 under the Medicaid program for services provided by a licensed certified lactation counselor, when
12 such services are within the counselor’s lawful scope of practice and are otherwise eligible for
13 coverage under the Medicaid state plan or a waiver approved by the Centers for Medicare and
14 Medicaid Services.
15(c) Reimbursement for services provided by a licensed certified lactation counselor shall
16 be made in accordance with Medicaid reimbursement principles and methodologies applicable to
17 other maternal and child health providers for comparable services. No requirement for physician or
18 other provider supervision, signature, or referral shall be imposed unless such requirement is
19 imposed on other providers for the same service.
1(d) The EOHHS shall promulgate rules and regulations necessary to implement this section
2 including, but not limited to, credentialing and enrollment requirements for licensed certified
3 lactation counselors participating as Medicaid providers.
4(e) On or before July 1, 2028, and annually thereafter, the EOHHS shall collect and
5 maintain data on utilization and expenditures related to services provided by licensed certified
6 lactation counselors to Medicaid beneficiaries.
7(f) Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, unless otherwise specified,
8 the provisions of this section shall supersede and shall control over any conflicting or inconsistent
9 laws, including general laws, special laws, or local laws, or any rule or regulation of the state.
10SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.
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  EXPLANATION
  BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL
  OF
  AN ACT
  RELATING TO HUMAN SERVICES -- MEDICAL ASSISTANCE
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1This act would require Medicaid to cover services by licensed certified lactation counselors
2 and the executive office of health and human services (EOHHS) to oversee and implement the
3 program and track related costs and use. It would also ensure reimbursement consistent with similar
4 providers.
5This act would take effect upon passage.
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