§ 23-13-21 - Comprehensive reproductive health services. - Rhode Island Statutes

SECTION 23-13-21

   § 23-13-21  Comprehensive reproductivehealth services. – (a) The director of health is authorized and directed to establish a payor oflast resort program to cover the cost of outpatient family planning counselingand comprehensive reproductive health services for men and women who areineligible for Medicaid, lack health insurance coverage for these services, andwhose family's income is between one hundred percent (100%) and one hundredeighty-five percent (185%) of the federal poverty level. The director shallpromulgate regulations to implement this program. These regulations shallinclude: specific eligibility criteria, scope and standards for services to becovered, mechanisms for administration, and service delivery.

   (b) It is the intent of the general assembly that thefollowing services be provided through this program:

   (1) Patient education and counseling on options for timingand spacing pregnancy;

   (2) Comprehensive medical services to prevent and control thespread of sexually transmitted diseases;

   (3) Access to safe and effective methods of contraception.

   (c) Excluded services will include but not be limited toelective abortion, elective hysterectomy, infertility related services, andother non-family planning procedures. No funds shall be expended to supportschool-based clinics dispensing contraceptive methods.