Rhode Island General Laws Title 42. State Affairs and Government § 42-7.2-7. Independent advisory council--Purposes

(a) The secretary shall establish an independent advisory council, hereafter referred to as “advisory council” composed of representatives of the network of health and human services providers, the communities the departments serve, state and local policy makers and any other stakeholders or consumers interested in improving access to high quality health and human services.

(b) The advisory council shall assist the secretary in identifying: issues of concern and priorities in the organization and/or delivery of services; areas where there is need for interdepartmental collaboration and cooperation; and opportunities for building sustainable and effective public-private partnerships that support the missions of the departments. The advisory council shall also provide guidance to the secretary in developing a plan to further the purposes of the executive office and assist the departments in meeting their unique missions and shared responsibilities.

(c) With the assistance of the department directors, the secretary shall hold health and human services forums and open meetings that encourage community, consumer and stakeholder input on health and human services issues, proposals and activities and actions of the executive office that have been identified by the advisory council as areas of concern or important policy priorities or opportunities for the state.