A new law in Rhode Island aims to strengthen the process of reviewing hospital mergers.
According to the legislation, expedited review processes will be prohibited when the combined healthcare systems would account for twenty-percent or more of the hospitals in the state.
“There is no question that our state is facing a mental health crisis that has been severely impacted by the pandemic. Too many Rhode Islanders, young and old, are not receiving, or are unable to access, the mental health services that they need. Thankfully, this will help correct this troubling trend, while also allowing Rhode Island to save crucial tax dollars through enhanced federal reimbursement for these clinics. This model of community-based mental health care is successful across the country and I am grateful Rhode Islanders will have the mental health care that they deserve,” said Representative Jacquelyn Baginski of Cranston.
The RI attorney general denied a proposed merger between the two largest networks, Lifespan and Care New England, earlier this year.
Care New England has since announced it plans to remain independent, thanks to more financial support from the Rhode Island General Assembly.
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