2018 -- H 7653

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LC004736

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2018

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A N   A C T

RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY - MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH SERVICES

FOR CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL HEALTH CARE NEEDS

     Introduced By: Representatives Shekarchi, Vella-Wilkinson, Donovan, Carson, and
Messier

     Date Introduced: February 15, 2018

     Referred To: House Finance

     It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

     SECTION 1. Chapter 23-13 of the General Laws entitled "Maternal and Child Health

Services for Children with Special Health Care Needs" is hereby amended by adding thereto the

following section:

     23-13-27. Prenatal care, postpartum care, neonatal and infant care.

     (a) Legislative findings.

     (1) The general assembly hereby finds and declares that maternal and infant health

accompanies the mental health of the mother as well as the physical well-being of an infant born

prematurely.

     (2) The general assembly further finds and declares that prenatal care, delivery service,

postpartum care, and neonatal and infant care are essential services necessary to ensure both the

physical and mental health of the mother and the physical and mental well-being of premature

infants.

     (b) Based on these findings, the director of the department of health is hereby directed to

investigate and apply for federal funds regarding maternal mental health, including, but not

limited to, grants available pursuant to § 10005 of the 21st Century Cures Act (Pub. L. 114-146),

as well as neonatal and infant care.

     (c) The department shall prepare a written report containing an action plan for the

utilization of the funding received from the federal government for submission to the house of

representatives and the senate on or before January 1, 2020.

     SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.

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EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

A N   A C T

RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY - MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH SERVICES

FOR CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL HEALTH CARE NEEDS

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     This act would require the director of the department of health to investigate and apply

for federal funds or grants relating to maternal mental health, prenatal care, postpartum care,

neonatal and infant care, and to provide the general assembly with a written report containing an

action plan regarding utilization of the funds on or before January 1, 2020.

     This act would take effect upon passage.

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LC004736

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