(a)  The state recognizes that children and adults with mental disabilities are entitled to appropriate, accessible, and adequate mental health services in the least restrictive environment that appropriately can serve their needs.

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Terms Used In Rhode Island General Laws 40.1-8.5-1

  • Mental health services: means those services provided to mentally disabled children and adults and shall include, but not be limited to, psychiatric, medical, nursing, psychological, social, rehabilitative, and support services provided in the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of mental disabilities, and in addition, may include those services designed to prevent mental disabilities or be of a consultative, informational, or educational nature about mental disabilities. See Rhode Island General Laws 40.1-8.5-2

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

History of Section.
P.L. 1993, ch. 390, § 2.