Rhode Island Brain Injury Services Redesign
In Rhode Island, a brain injury is legally defined as traumatic; an injury to the skull, the brain contents or its coverings, not of a degenerative or congenital nature, which may or may not produce an altered state of consciousness or result in temporary or permanent decrease of mental, cognitive, behavioral or physical functioning which causes partial or total disability (RI Gen L § 42-12-21).
Rhode Island state agencies have taken a collaborative approach to addressing traumatic brain injury (TBI), with each agency implementing a range of services spanning prevention, care, and resource delivery. This approach involves participation across state agencies, including the Executive Office of Health & Human Services, Department of Health, and Department of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities, and Hospitals.
In 2023, to better understand existing roles and identify opportunities for improvement, the state used the Strong Infrastructure Components for Brain Injury: Self-Assessment Tool, developed by the Administration for Community Living (ACL) and the Traumatic Brain Injury Technical Assistance and Resource Center (TARC). The tool’s purpose is to outline the essential elements of a strong statewide response, and completing it helped Rhode Island examine how various agencies contribute to the system of care.
As a result of efforts by the EOHHS to analyze brain injury needs and solutions through a partnership with the National Association of State Head Injury Administrators, the State of Rhode Island has the opportunity to realize redesigned services for people with brain injury and achieve goals referenced in the Rhode Island Traumatic Brain Injury State Action Plan, the Rhode Island 2030 Charting a Course for the Future of the Ocean State (RI 2030), the Olmstead draft plan, and the March 2023 Governor’s Permanent Advisory Commission on Traumatic Brain Injury (GPACTBI) to emphasize home and community-based services over institutional long-term care. Most importantly, this report reflects insights and priorities from persons with lived experience, including those directly impacted by brain injury, as well as family members and caregivers.
2025 Report
Rhode Island Brain Injury Services Redesign Study
- Executive Summary
- Full Report: A Summary of Identified Gaps/Issues, Recommendations, and Promising Practice Options
- Appendix A: Interviewee Organizations and Other Interested Parties
- Appendix B: Written Survey
- Appendix C: Implementation Roadmap