2005 Rhode Island Code - § 40.1-5.4-1 — Mental health services.

    The department of mental health, retardation and hospitals shall be required to plan, develop, coordinate and administer a complete, comprehensive and integrated statewide system of mental health services. The department shall take cognizance of all matters affecting the mental health of the residents of the state including those in the general population who require periodic, short term therapeutic services as well as those with serious mental illness. Notwithstanding that, the department's highest priorities shall be to provide services to residents with serious mental illness, early and ongoing treatment and support for individuals with serious mental illness and research into the cause and treatment of serious mental illness.