PROVIDENCE -- The R.I. Senate has released legislation that would introduce strict oversight provisions into the Carcieri administration's controversial plan to overhaul Rhode Island's Medicaid system.

The proposed legislation states that: "No changes in the state Medicaid program shall be made without the express approval by a legislative body..."

The bill further defines three categories of potential changes and directs the administration to obtain legislative approval for all but the most basic administrative changes that don't affect "beneficiary eligibility, benefits, overall healthcare delivery systems, payment methodologies or cost sharing."

It's unclear when the Senate will hold a hearing on the legislation, although Senate Finance Committee Chairman Daniel DaPonte said yesterday he wanted the full Assembly to adopt the measure this week.

The House -- which is working on a separate but related bill -- would have to pass the Senate bill as well for it to become law, and House leaders have suggested there would be no such vote this week.

House Speaker William J. Murphy said last night that his chamber will not vote to block the overhaul of the Medicaid system, a decision that gives the Carcieri administration power to begin reshaping Rhode Island's health insurance program for the elderly, poor and disabled as soon as Monday.