Governor McKee Signs Executive Order Establishing State Health Care System Planning Cabinet Published on Friday, February 23, 2024 PROVIDENCE, RI – Governor Dan McKee signed an Executive Order establishing a State Health Care System Planning (HCSP) Cabinet that will take a unified, interdepartmental approach to evaluating and proposing recommendations for Rhode Island’s health care system. “All Rhode Islanders deserve access to quality health care. As part of my administration’s Rhode Island 2030 Plan, we have prioritized strengthening our state’s health care system in ways that better support affordable and accessible services to maximize health outcomes for all Rhode Islanders,” said Governor Dan McKee. “My administration has provided millions of dollars to our state’s health care system, including $135 million in my FY25 budget proposal to improve reimbursement rates and strengthen behavioral health care. The Health Care System Planning Cabinet will solicit feedback from a variety of stakeholders to develop the best path forward for Rhode Islanders.” Like many states, Rhode Island’s health care system is challenged by misaligned rates, workforce shortages, and disparities in access, quality, and outcomes for the most vulnerable communities. The planning effort will be led by the state and will include and align closely with the private sector, community partners, and health care consumers throughout the process. The HCSP Cabinet’s will make recommendations focused on improving quality, affordability, and equity across the continuum of care to ensure Rhode Islanders have access to a health care system aligned with current and future needs. The Cabinet will integrate oversight and accountability of the health care system using data and make recommendations for establishing a framework for regulating and overseeing the entire system of care. Per the Executive Order, members of the HCSP Cabinet are appointed by the Governor and include the: Secretary of the Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS) Assistant Secretary of EOHHS Medicaid Program Director Director of the Rhode Island Department of Health Director of the Department of Human Services Director of the Department of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities and Hospitals Director of the Department of Children, Youth and Families Director of the Department of Labor and Training Health Insurance Commissioner Postsecondary Education Commissioner The Governor appointed EOHHS Secretary Richard Charest to serve as chair of the cabinet. “There are already numerous committees, advisory groups, and work teams focused on health system activities across state government and in the community, and the HCSP Cabinet will provide us with a tremendous opportunity to bring the planning together to create a strong, unified health care plan,” said EOHHS Secretary Richard Charest. “Part of the new health care planning process will include aligning these existing plans in an overarching interagency, public/private framework.” The Administration has identified $500,000 to support the Cabinet’s work for the remainder of state fiscal year 2024. Governor McKee’s FY25 budget proposal includes approximately $1 million in additional funding to support health care system planning. The HCSP Cabinet will begin its work immediately and will produce its first report on or about December 1, 2024.