§ 23-1.10-20. Pilot alternative program established. (a) There is hereby created a program for individuals impaired by substance abuse related issues, as an alternative treatment/referral service to the emergency room department, to foster their entry into a continuum of care for treatment and recovery. This pilot program shall be an addition and shall not alter the comprehensive and coordinated program for the treatment of alcoholics and intoxicated persons as set forth in § 23-1.10-6.

(b) As used in this section, the following words and terms shall have the following meanings:

(1) "Department" means the Rhode Island department of behavioral healthcare, developmental disabilities and hospitals.

(2) "Pilot program" means the program described in this section. The pilot program shall not be subject to subsections 23-1.10-10(a), (b), (c) and (d).

(3) "Substance abuse related issues" means any of the symptoms that are caused by either active substance use, substance abuse/dependence or a combination of both.

(c) No later than December 31, 2012, and subject to approval of the Rhode Island executive office of health and human services, the department shall present a proposal to the governor and general assembly to expand existing service(s), that shall result in services described in subsection (a) available twenty-four (24) hours a day, seven (7) days a week to implement the pilot program.

(d) Subject to approval from the governor and general assembly and the receipt of required funds, the director shall commence the implementation of the pilot program.

(e) The director may adopt such rules and regulations governing the management of the pilot program as he/she deems necessary to carry out the provisions of this section.

(f) The pilot program shall have a duration of three (3) years, commencing on the date that the first licensed facility becomes operational.

(g) The department shall provide an annual report of its findings and recommendations to the general assembly and governor no later than January 31st of each year beginning in 2014.

(h) After three (3) years of operations, the department shall provide an analysis demonstrating outcomes related to the pilot program to the general assembly and governor.

History of Section. (P.L. 2012, ch. 257, § 1; P.L. 2012, ch. 265, § 1.)