Rhode Island
Posted inCity & Government

McKee Administration to release request for qualifications for state’s non-emergency medical transportation program

by Community Submission

PROVIDENCE, RI – Today, the McKee Administration’s Executive Office of Health and Human Services announced that is is releasing an RFQ (Request For Qualifications) for the state’s non-emergency medical transportation program. The RFP will be available later this evening on the state’s purchasing website, https://www.ridop.ri.gov.
“As part of our Administration’s Rhode Island 2030 Plan, we are building a state health system that supports affordable and accessible services to maximize good health outcomes for all Rhode Islanders,” said Governor Dan McKee. “The Rhode Islanders who rely on this essential transportation service deserve nothing less than safe, high-quality care every time they need a ride.”
Rhode Island’s non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) program serves as a critical link to human services for Rhode Islanders who require transportation. The NEMT program serves eligible and enrolled Medicaid beneficiaries, Rhode Island residents over the age of 60 who need transportation under the Elderly Transportation Program (ETP) and also manages monthly bus pass distribution under the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Program.
Rhode Island implemented an NEMT broker model in 2014, when it initially contracted with the company LogistiCare. In January of 2019, the State issued a new NEMT RFP and contracted with current provider MTM. The company facilitates approximately 5,350 trips per day and 160,000 trips each month.
At the direction of Governor McKee, EOHHS conducted extensive stakeholder engagement to gather feedback on the current Rhode Island NEMT Program and to explore opportunities for improvements to prepare for this RFQ. This outreach included virtual focus groups with members, community advocates, transportation providers, health care facilities, health care trade associations, Managed Care Organizations, and Accountable Entities. EOHHS also participated in an interagency review of the NEMT program convened by the Governor’s Office with other state agencies including the Rhode Island Public Transportation Authority, the Office of Healthy Aging and the Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission. Additionally, EOHHS consulted with other state Medicaid agencies and reviewed over 20 of their NEMT contracts to strengthen contractor performance under the Rhode Island NEMT program and align with national best practice standards.
“We greatly appreciate the feedback we received from non-emergency medical transportation customers, healthcare providers and advocates,” said Executive Office of Health and Human Services Acting Secretary Ana Novais. “Many of the changes made to this new RFQ came directly from these listening sessions and lessons learned from other state Medicaid agencies that run similar broker models.”
This new RFQ includes several improvements taken from stakeholder feedback and research of other state NEMT models. This RFQ will build upon the current NEMT broker model by enhancing quality and safety assurances, EOHHS oversight and financial management through steps including:
– Utilizing EOHHS’ contracted external quality review organization to provide annual audits of the chosen contractor;
– An annual review by EOHHS of the contractor’s performance, including its transportation providers, through a report card or rating system;
– Promoting greater transparency of EOHHS’ oversight activities, including publication of corrective actions and remediation activities on EOHHS’ website;
– Specific timeframes for reporting critical incidents to EOHHS and developing standard protocols between the contractor and EOHHS;
– A standardized credentialing process to ensure that providers are credentialed in a timely manner and have all relevant credentials reviewed by the contractor through a routine process;
– Providing enhanced safety and special considerations related to the transportation of minors and special populations related to the dispatch of ride share services;
– Increasing opportunities for member feedback and ways for members to file complaints, grievances and appeals without fear of retaliation by the contractor or its subcontractors;
– Developing a standardized fee schedule for transportation providers to promote payment transparency;
– Ensuring better financial oversight practices to ensure the quality and economy of services, including conducting a yearly independent financial audit; and
– Requiring the contractor to employ a DEI Officer to promote diversity, equity and inclusion within organizational management – the first such requirement in the country;
– Requiring additional trainings for transportation providers, with specific attention on wheelchair training and cultural sensitivity.
“These improvements will ensure greater transparency, accountability and safety for those who rely on this transportation for their healthcare needs,” said Medicaid Program Director Kristin Sousa. “EOHHS is committed to continuously improving these services.”
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Posted inCity & Government

DEM: Don’t let the cold of winter stop you from exploring the outdoors – sign up for a DEM Outdoors Course

by Community Submission

PROVIDENCE, RI – Whether you’re ready to bundle up and get outside or cozy up on the couch and tune in virtually, the Department of Environmental Management (DEM) Division of Fish and Wildlife (DFW) has another season of great winter programs scheduled to connect Rhode Islanders with our state’s beautiful natural resources. From fishing days and fly tying to hunter education classes, guided walks, and virtual programs, there’s something for everyone.
DFW’s Aquatic Resource Education, Hunter Education, Wildlife Outreach, and Volunteer programs have planned a packed schedule with plenty of opportunities to learn about Rhode Island’s fish and wildlife resources or to try out a new outdoor skill. Most of the programs being offered this winter are free of charge and family-friendly.
The programs are as follows:
Aquatic Resource Education Programs
Introduction to Freshwater Fishing, Fly Tying, and Casting Lesson (Ages 10+, parent or guardian required to be in attendance for participants under 18)
From lures, to flies, tackle, storage, safety, types of rods, and more, learn all the basics to become a successful angler. This comprehensive presentation will be instructed by one of RIDEM’s angler instructors and includes casting lessons and fly tying.
Date: Thursday, March 21
Time: Two sessions to choose from: 1:00 PM or 5:00 PM (3-hour sessions)
Location: DEM Division of Fish and Wildlife Outdoor Education Office, 1B Camp E-Hun-Tee Place, Exeter
Registration: Register here.
Cost: Free
Hunter Education Programs
Hunter Education (Ages 10+, parent or guardian required to be in attendance for participants under 18)
This in-person class is required to become certified to hunt with firearms in the State of Rhode Island. Open to participants from all states, this course provides a foundation for firearm safety, basic hunting techniques, basic survival and first-aid, ethics, conservation, and more. A 100-question test will be administered at the end of day two. This national curriculum has reciprocity with all 50 states.
Dates: Saturday-Sunday Jan. 14-15 (must attend both sessions)
Time: 9 AM-3 PM
Location: DEM Division of Fish and Wildlife Outdoor Education Office, 1B Camp E-Hun-Tee Place, Exeter
Registration: Pre-registration is required to be admitted. Register here.
Cost: Free
Land Navigation (Ages 10+, parent or guardian required to be in attendance for participants under 18)
This two-day course will begin with classroom learning on the topics of maps and compass, how to find a bearing and follow it. Day two will consist of using your newfound skills to solve field problems and navigate through the woods of Arcadia Management Area. Terrain will be moderate to difficult at times, appropriate hiking gear for the forecasted weather will be necessary to be successful.
Date: Friday-Saturday, Feb. 18-19 (must attend both sessions)
Time: 9 AM-5 PM
Location: DEM Division of Fish and Wildlife Outdoor Education Office, 1B Camp E-Hun-Tee Place, Exeter
Registration: Pre-registration required. Register here.
Cost: Free
Bowhunter Education (Ages 10+, parent or guardian required to be in attendance for participants under 18)
This in-person class is required to become certified to hunt with archery in the State of Rhode Island. Open to participants from all states, this course provides a foundation for archery safety, basic hunting techniques, basic survival and first-aid, ethics, conservation, and more. A state written exam will be administered at the end of class on day two. This national curriculum has reciprocity with all 50 states.
Dates: Saturday, March 11
Time: 9 AM- 3 PM
Location: DEM Division of Fish and Wildlife Outdoor Education Office, 1B Camp E-Hun-Tee Place, Exeter
Registration: Pre-registration is required to be admitted. Register here.
Cost: Free
Fur Trapper Course
This seven-hour course will cover various aspects of trapping, including the history of trapping, conservation and trapping regulations, the biology of different target species in RI, best management practices in the field, and types of traps. There will also be a hands-on demonstration on how to set traps, as well as uses for the animal and how to treat and tan hides.
Date: Sunday, Feb. 26
Time: 9 AM-4 PM
Location: DEM Division of Fish and Wildlife Outdoor Education Office, 1B Camp E-Hun-Tee Place, Exeter
Registration: Email branton.elleman.ctr@dem.ri.gov
Cost: Free
Junior Hunter Education Certification Class (Ages 12+, parent or guardian required to be in attendance for participants under 17)
Junior Hunter Education is for ages 17 and under, with lots of hands-on activities, visual aids, and easy to understand lessons. This is the certification class that you need if you plan to hunt with firearms in the State of Rhode Island. Open to juniors from all states, this course will provide you with a foundation for firearm safety, basic hunting techniques, basic survival and first-aid, ethics, conservation, and more. A state written exam will be administered at the end of class on day two. This national curriculum has reciprocity with all 50 states. Please note: Course content and state exam is written to a sixth grade reading level and you must be at least 12 years old to obtain a RI hunting license.
Date: Saturday, March 18
Time: 9 AM-6 PM
Location: DEM Division of Fish and Wildlife Outdoor Education Office, 1B Camp E-Hun-Tee Place, Exeter
Registration: Pre-registration required. Register here.
Cost: Free
Learn to Hunt (Ages 10+, parent or guardian required to be in attendance for participants under 18)
Participate in all the hands-on activities that are a part of the Hunter Education Certification program. Instructors will cover general safety, safe firearm handling, tree stands, ground blinds, basic hunting techniques, wilderness first-aid, and land navigation.
Dates: Saturday, March 25
Time: 5-9 PM
Location: DEM Division of Fish and Wildlife Outdoor Education Office, 1B Camp E-Hun-Tee Place, Exeter
Registration: Pre-registration required. Register here.
Cost: Free
Wildlife Outreach Programs
Wildlife Solutions: Nocturnal Nuisances (Adults)
Nocturnal mammals, like coyotes, foxes, and fishers, are greatly misunderstood; most of their fear-instilling actions are simply a part of their life history and survival strategies. Still, these critters can become a nuisance, especially when they begin to den under decks and dine out of chicken coops. Learning why these creatures behave the way they do is the key to finding resolution. This session will help you identify what attracts these animals to your yard, and how to make your property less hospitable. Learn about the discoveries made by the Narragansett Bay Coyote Study and see what we have already learned through the collaborative Fisher Project with URI. This will be a hybrid virtual program in partnership with Louttit Library.
Date: Tuesday, Jan. 31
Time: 6:30-8:30 PM
Location: Hybrid- in- in person at Louttit Library, 274 Victory Highway, West Greenwich or via Zoom
Registration: Register here.
Cost: Free?
Come Birding with Me! (Families)
Are you looking for a fun February vacation activity? Join us for a family-friendly birdwatching adventure on the shoreline this winter! Learn about the beautiful migratory birds that spend their winter along RI’s coastline each year and how DFW and our research partners are studying their populations. Binoculars and spotting scopes will be available to borrow so that everyone can get a closer look at these unique birds!
Date: Wednesday, Jan. 12
Time: 6-7:30 PM
Location: East Bay Bike Path (Watchemoket Cove), East Providence
Registration: All ages are welcome to attend this FREE program, but registration is required to receive a Zoom link. Register here.
Cost: Free
Come Birding with Me! (Adults)
Join us for a birdwatching adventure on the shoreline this winter! Learn about the beautiful migratory birds that spend their winter along RI’s coastline each year and how DFW and our research partners are studying their populations. Binoculars and spotting scopes will be available to borrow so that everyone can get a closer look at these unique birds!
Date: Saturday, Feb. 25
Time: 10-11:30 AM
Location: Beavertail State Park, Jamestown
Registration: Register here.
Cost: Free
Volunteer Programs
Rhode Island Bumblebee Survey
DFW is looking for volunteers to conduct bee surveys for the 2023 Rhode Island Bumblebee Survey (RIBS) season! If you enjoy spending time outdoors, are curious for plants and insects, and would like to help Rhode Island biologists learn more about these fuzzy pollinators in our state, this program is for you.
Date: Spring 2023
Registration: Register here.
Cost: Free?
Annual Herring Count Surveys (All ages)
DEM’s Division of Fish and Wildlife is always looking for new volunteers for our long-standing herring count survey. Volunteers count herring for 10-minute intervals at select sites across the state as these interesting fish complete their annual spring migration upstream. This is an excellent opportunity for families with children! Sign-up information will be available in March.
Date: March 2023
Registration: Subscribe to our monthly email list for sign up information. Register here.
Cost: Free?
For more information about DEM divisions and programs, visit www.dem.ri.gov or follow us on Facebook and Fish and Wildlife, Twitter (@RhodeIslandDEM), or Instagram (@rhodeisland.dem and @RI.FishandWildlife) for timely updates.