Rhode Island Code of Regulations Title 218 - Department of Human Services
Rhode Island Code of Regulations Title 218 is the comprehensive set of administrative rules and regulations for the Rhode Island Department of Human Services (DHS). This title reflects the broad mandate of DHS to provide a safety net and various support services to vulnerable individuals and families across the state.
Overall Purpose of Rhode Island Code of Regulations Title 218:
The primary purpose of Title 218 is to:
Administer Public Assistance Programs: Establish eligibility criteria, application procedures, and benefit levels for a wide range of state and federal assistance programs.
Support Families and Individuals: Provide regulations for programs aimed at helping families, children, older adults, individuals with disabilities, and veterans achieve self-sufficiency and well-being.
Ensure Welfare and Safety: Set standards for various human service providers, particularly in areas like child care, to safeguard the well-being of those receiving services.
Promote Employment and Independence: Regulate programs that assist individuals in preparing for, accepting, and retaining employment.
Ensure Fair and Equitable Treatment: Establish procedures for applying for, receiving, and appealing decisions related to human services benefits and programs.
Key Chapters and Areas Covered in Title 218:
Title 218 is organized into several chapters, each addressing specific aspects of human services:
Chapter 10 - General Provisions:
This chapter would likely contain foundational rules applicable across all DHS programs, such as general administrative procedures, definitions, rules for public records, and possibly overall mission statements for the department.
Chapter 20 - Individual and Family Support Programs: This is a very significant chapter, covering core public assistance programs:
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP): Rules for eligibility, benefit calculation, application process, and ongoing requirements for food assistance (formerly food stamps).
Rhode Island Works Program (Cash Assistance/TANF): Regulations for the state's Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program, which provides financial and employment assistance to eligible low-income families with children. This includes work requirements, case management, and supportive services.
Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP): Rules for providing subsidized child care to eligible families, often to support parents in employment, education, or training. This includes eligibility criteria, provider requirements, and payment rates.
General Public Assistance (GPA): Regulations for time-limited cash assistance for certain low-income adults who do not qualify for other state or federal programs, often while awaiting determination for federal disability benefits (SSI).
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) State Supplemental Payment Program: Rules for the state-funded supplement to federal SSI benefits for aged, blind, or disabled individuals.
Refugee Assistance Program: Regulations governing support services for refugees resettling in Rhode Island.
Energy Assistance Programs: Rules for programs that help low-income households with heating and utility costs (e.g., LIHEAP - Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program).
Long-Term Services & Supports: Regulations concerning services for older adults and individuals with disabilities or chronic care needs, often aimed at enabling them to live independently in the community.
Medical Assistance/Medicaid and Medicare Programs: While the primary Medicaid regulations are often under the Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS), DHS rules might cover eligibility determination processes or specific components related to its client populations.
Chapter 30 - Rhode Island Office of Child Support Services (OCSS):
Regulations governing the establishment, enforcement, and collection of child support orders in Rhode Island. This includes paternity establishment, income withholding, and other enforcement mechanisms.
Chapter 40 - Division of Elderly Affairs (DEA) / Office of Healthy Aging (OHA):
Rules related to programs and services for older adults, including case management agencies for the elderly, senior centers, and other supportive services. This division often focuses on promoting the well-being and independence of seniors.
Chapter 50 - Rehabilitation Services / Office of Rehabilitation Services (ORS):
Regulations for programs that provide vocational rehabilitation services to individuals with disabilities, aiming to help them achieve employment and greater independence.
Chapter 60 - Administrative Procedures:
More detailed rules regarding administrative hearings, appeals processes for benefit denials or reductions, and other due process requirements for individuals interacting with DHS.
Chapter 70 - Office of Child Care Licensing:
Child Care Center and School Age Program Regulations for Licensure: This crucial chapter sets detailed licensing requirements for child care centers and school-age programs. This includes rules for:
Building and grounds safety.
Staff qualifications, training, and background checks (including criminal records and child abuse/neglect checks).
Staff-to-child ratios and group sizes.
Program activities, schedules, nutrition, and equipment.
Health, safety, and hygiene standards.
Monitoring, inspection, and enforcement procedures (e.g., probationary licenses, corrective action plans, suspension, or revocation).
In summary, Rhode Island Code of Regulations Title 218 is fundamental to the operation of the Department of Human Services, providing the legal framework for delivering essential social safety net programs, regulating critical services like child care, and supporting the well-being and self-sufficiency of a large segment of Rhode Island's population.
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