(Providence, RI) -- A number of new healthcare laws have been signed in Rhode Island. One law decriminalizes the use of the prescription drug buprenorphine to treat opioid use disorder; last month, Vermont became the first U.S. state to legalize possession. With the goal of treating addicts instead of sending them to prison, the state has also passed a law to reclassify simple possession of ten grams or less of certain controlled substances as a misdemeanor instead of a felony. Rhode Islanders will be able to request insurance communications directly to them instead of a parent or a spouse through a new law that aims to protect domestic and sexual violence survivors. And another new piece of legislation will require private insurance plans to cover doula services for pregnant women.
Photo: Getty Images