Provides that services provided by graduate student interns who work under a supervisory protocol would be eligible to be paid from Medicaid reimbursement.

Plain-English Summary

This bill would allow Rhode Island's Medicaid program to pay for certain health and human services provided by graduate student interns. Currently, Medicaid reimbursement is typically limited to licensed professionals, but this legislation would create a pathway for student interns — such as those studying social work, counseling, or other health-related fields — to have their services covered, as long as they are working under an approved supervisory arrangement with a qualified professional overseeing their work.

The bill would affect several groups. Graduate students in health and human services fields could gain valuable hands-on clinical experience while having their work recognized within the Medicaid system. Supervising professionals and the organizations or clinics they work for could receive Medicaid reimbursement for intern-provided services, potentially expanding their capacity to serve more patients. Most importantly, low-income Rhode Islanders who rely on Medicaid for their healthcare coverage could gain access to a broader pool of service providers, which could help reduce wait times and improve access to care.

The bill has been introduced and referred to the Senate Finance Committee, meaning it is in its early stages and has not yet been voted on. If passed, it could help address workforce shortages in healthcare and social services while giving graduate students practical training opportunities — all within a structured, supervised framework designed to protect patient safety and quality of care.