AN ACT RELATING TO HUMAN SERVICES -- MEDICAL ASSISTANCE (Requires Medicaid to cover services by licensed certified lactation counselors and EOHHS to oversee and implement the program and track related costs and use. It also ensures reimbursement consistent with similar providers.)

H8175

2026 -- H 8175
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LC005545
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STATE OF RHODE ISLAND
IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY
JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2026
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A N A C T
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:
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SECTION 1. Chapter 40-8 of the General Laws entitled "Medical Assistance" is hereby
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amended by adding thereto the following section:
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40-8-33. Licensed certified lactation counselor -- Medicaid coverage.

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(a) As used in this section, “licensed certified lactation counselor” means a trained
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professional who holds a licensure and certification by the department of health in accordance with
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chapter 13.8 of title 23. Licensed certified lactation counselors provide services in assessment,
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evaluation, problem identification, treatment, education, and consultation to provide lactation care
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and services to childbearing families, and infant children from birth to twelve (12) months old
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within the scope of practice pursuant to § 23-13.8-9.
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(b) The executive office of health and human services (“EOHHS”) shall provide coverage
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under the Medicaid program for services provided by a licensed certified lactation counselor, when
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such services are within the counselor’s lawful scope of practice and are otherwise eligible for
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coverage under the Medicaid state plan or a waiver approved by the Centers for Medicare and
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Medicaid Services.
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(c) Reimbursement for services provided by a licensed certified lactation counselor shall
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be made in accordance with Medicaid reimbursement principles and methodologies applicable to
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other maternal and child health providers for comparable services. No requirement for physician or
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other provider supervision, signature, or referral shall be imposed unless such requirement is
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imposed on other providers for the same service.

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(d) The EOHHS shall promulgate rules and regulations necessary to implement this section
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including, but not limited to, credentialing and enrollment requirements for licensed certified
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lactation counselors participating as Medicaid providers.
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(e) On or before July 1, 2028, and annually thereafter, the EOHHS shall collect and
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maintain data on utilization and expenditures related to services provided by licensed certified
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lactation counselors to Medicaid beneficiaries.
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(f) Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, unless otherwise specified,
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the provisions of this section shall supersede and shall control over any conflicting or inconsistent
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laws, including general laws, special laws, or local laws, or any rule or regulation of the state.
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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 HUMAN SERVICES -- MEDICAL ASSISTANCE
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This act would require Medicaid to cover services by licensed certified lactation counselors
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and the executive office of health and human services (EOHHS) to oversee and implement the
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program and track related costs and use. It would also ensure reimbursement consistent with similar
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providers.
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This act would take effect upon passage.
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LC005545
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LC005545 - Page 3 of 3