§ 40.1-8.5-1 - Policy and purpose. - Rhode Island Statutes

SECTION 40.1-8.5-1

   § 40.1-8.5-1  Policy and purpose. –(a) The state recognizes that children and adults with mental disability areentitled to appropriate, accessible, and adequate mental health services in theleast restrictive environment which appropriately can serve their needs.

   (b) The state recognizes private, nonprofit community mentalhealth centers which provide mental health services to children and adults withmental disabilities, and it is the policy of the state to support these mentalhealth centers as an adjunct and alternative to inpatient services. The stateshall fund community mental health centers and, shall provide a mechanism bywhich the state and local governments share responsibility for assuringcommunity mental health services to mentally disabled children and adultsand/or those who are unable to pay for mental health services.