RI H7794

Adds First Connections, a state-run home-visiting program serving pregnant individuals and families with children up to age 3, as a designated provider under Rhode Island's Family Home-Visiting Act

Expands annual reporting requirements to include five-year funding data by source (MIECHV federal, state match, Medicaid), program enrollment numbers, and a three-year expansion plan with fiscal projections

Requires the Executive Office of Health and Human Services to pursue a Medicaid state plan amendment and increase Medicaid payment rates for home-visiting services by October 1, 2026, based on the 2025 rate review recommendations

Mandates annual state allocation of the minimum amount needed to draw down maximum available federal MIECHV funding for Rhode Island

Responds to a 42% decline in First Connections families served between 2021-2024 and closure of 7 home-visiting programs since 2021, attributed to Medicaid billing requirements and funding challenges