H7345

	2022 -- H 7345
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	LC003889
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	STATE OF RHODE ISLAND
	IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY
	JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2022
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	A N A C T
	RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS - NEUROFEEDBACK THERAPY

	Introduced By: Representatives Noret, Casimiro, Kazarian, McNamara, and Vella- Wilkinson
	Date Introduced: February 04, 2022
	Referred To: House Health & Human Services
	It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:
1	SECTION 1. Title 5 of the General Laws entitled "BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS"
2	is hereby amended by adding thereto the following chapter:
3	CHAPTER 63.3
4	NEUROFEEDBACK THERAPY
5	5-63.3-1. Description.
6	Neurofeedback therapy is a form of mental health therapy that utilizes a noninvasive
7	technique using sensitive instruments to measure electrophysiological processes such as
8	brainwaves, heart rate, muscle activity and skin temperature. The results are then reported to the
9	patient to assist him or her in controlling these processes. Neurofeedback therapy can be a way to
10	learn stress management and relaxation techniques to prevent stress-related disorders, or to reduce
11	or eliminate the symptoms of many syndromes. In addition to teaching self-regulation by the use
12	of such instruments the neurofeedback therapist can promote health and coping skills by methods
13	that include, diaphragmatic breathing, progressive relaxation, autogenic training, imagery,
14	psychophysiological therapy and cognitive restricting.
15	5-63.3-2. Pilot program created - Coverage required for neurofeedback therapy.
16	There is hereby created a two (2) year pilot program to provide insurance coverage for up
17	to twenty (20) sessions for neurofeedback therapy to be provided to:
18	(1) Any person up to the age of twenty-one (21) years old; and
19	(2) Members of the military and any veteran irrespective of age who is diagnosed with

1	post-traumatic stress disorder.
2	5-63.3-3. Authorized practice - Training and supervision.
3	Persons authorized to practice neurofeedback therapy pursuant to this chapter shall:
4	(1) Have at least a graduate degree from an accredited institution of higher learning in
5	education of a health care related field satisfactory to the board of neurofeedback therapy, and at
6	least thirty-six (36) hours of didactic neurofeedback education.
7	(2) Have at least one hundred (100) hours of clinical experience in the practice of
8	neurofeedback therapy under the supervision of a person who, because of education and experience
9	would be eligible for licensure or is licensed as a neurofeedback therapist.
10	(3) Pass a written and practical examination satisfactory to the board of neurofeedback
11	therapy. Biofeedback Certification Institute of America (BCIA).
12	(4) Be at least twenty-one (21) years of age.
13	(5) Be of good moral character as determined by the board of neurofeedback therapy.
14	5-63.3-4. Exempt persons.
15	Nothing contained in this chapter shall be construed to prohibit the practice of
16	neurofeedback therapy by qualified health care professionals licensed in this state, or by students
17	or interns in health care educational programs who are supervised by a licensed or authorized health
18	care professional qualified to practice neurofeedback therapy.
19	SECTION 2. Chapter 27-18 of the General Laws entitled "Accident and Sickness Insurance
20	Policies" is hereby amended by adding thereto the following section:
21	27-18-89. Neurofeedback therapy.
22	Every individual or group health insurance contract, plan, or policy delivered, issued for
23	delivery or renewed in this state on or after January 1, 2023, shall provide coverage for
24	neurofeedback therapy as provided for in chapter 63.3 of title 5, until January 1, 2025, at which
25	time the pilot program shall end.
26	SECTION 3. Chapter 27-19 of the General Laws entitled "Nonprofit Hospital Service
27	Corporations" is hereby amended by adding thereto the following section:
28	27-19-81. Neurofeedback therapy.
29	Every individual or group health insurance contract, plan, or policy delivered, issued for
30	delivery or renewed in this state on or after January 1, 2023, shall provide coverage for
31	neurofeedback therapy as provided for in chapter 63.3 of title 5, until January 1, 2025, at which
32	time the pilot program shall end.
33	SECTION 4. Chapter 27-20 of the General Laws entitled "Nonprofit Medical Service
34	Corporations" is hereby amended by adding thereto the following section:
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1	27-20-77. Neurofeedback therapy.
2	Every individual or group health insurance contract, plan, or policy delivered, issued for
3	delivery or renewed in this state on or after January 1, 2023, shall provide coverage for
4	neurofeedback therapy as provided for in chapter 63.3 of title 5, until January 1, 2025, at which
5	time the pilot program shall end.
6	SECTION 5. Chapter 27-41 of the General Laws entitled "Health Maintenance
7	Organizations" is hereby amended by adding thereto the following section:
8	27-41-94. Neurofeedback therapy.
9	Every individual or group health insurance contract, plan, or policy delivered, issued for
10	delivery or renewed in this state on or after January 1, 2023, shall provide coverage for
11	neurofeedback therapy as provided for in chapter 63.3 of title 5, until January 1, 2025, at which
12	time the pilot program shall end.
13	SECTION 6. This act shall take effect upon passage and shall sunset on January 1, 2025.
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	EXPLANATION
	BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL
	OF
	A N A C T
	RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS - NEUROFEEDBACK THERAPY
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1	This act would create a two (2) year pilot program to provide insurance coverage for
2	neurofeedback therapy for members of the military and veterans suffering from post-traumatic
3	stress disorder and for individuals under the age of twenty-one (21).
4	This act would take effect upon passage and would sunset on January 1, 2025.
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