reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-17 - Licensing of Healthcare Facilities › Section 23-17-32. - Mammograms — Quality assurance standards.

§ 23-17-32. Mammograms — Quality assurance standards.
Any licensed health care facility performing a mammogram shall meet state-approved quality assurance standards for taking and processing mammograms. The director of health shall have the authority to promulgate rules and regulations necessary to carry out the provisions of this section.
History of Section.
P.L. 1989, ch. 217, § 7.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-17 - Licensing of Healthcare Facilities › Section 23-17-33. - Pap smears — Quality assurance standards.

§ 23-17-33. Pap smears — Quality assurance standards.
Any licensed health care facility in which pap smears are taken shall submit the smear for processing only to a laboratory which is licensed by the department of health specifically to perform cervical cytology, or is accredited by the American Society of Cytology, or is accredited by the College of American Pathologists, or is a hospital accredited by the joint commission for the accreditation of health care organizations, or is a hospital accredited by the American Osteopathic Association.
History of Section.
P.L. 1989, ch. 217, § 14.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-17 - Licensing of Healthcare Facilities › Section 23-17-35. - Prior criminal records checks.

§ 23-17-35. Prior criminal records checks.
If an applicant for employment has undergone a statewide criminal records check within eighteen (18) months of an application for employment, then an employer may request from the bureau of criminal identification or local police a letter indicating if any disqualifying information was discovered. The bureau of criminal identification will respond without disclosing the nature of the disqualifying information. The letter may be maintained on file to satisfy the requirements of this chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 1991, ch. 368, § 3; P.L. 1992, ch. 407, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-17 - Licensing of Healthcare Facilities › Section 23-17-36. - Rules and regulations.

§ 23-17-36. Rules and regulations.
The director of the department of health is authorized to promulgate rules and regulations to carry out the intent of this chapter as well as establishing administrative penalties for violations of the provisions of §§ 23-17-60 and 23-17-61.
History of Section.
P.L. 1991, ch. 368, § 3; P.L. 2014, ch. 366, § 2; P.L. 2014, ch. 376, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-17 - Licensing of Healthcare Facilities › Section 23-17-37. - Disqualifying information.

§ 23-17-37. Disqualifying information.
(a)
Information produced by a national criminal records check pertaining to conviction for the following crimes will result in a letter to the employee and employer disqualifying the applicant from employment: murder, voluntary manslaughter, involuntary manslaughter, first-degree sexual assault, second-degree sexual assault, third-degree sexual assault, assault on persons sixty (60) years of age or older, assault with intent to commit specified felonies (murder, robbery, rape, burglary, or the abominable and detestable crime against nature) felony assault, patient abuse, neglect or mistreatment of patients, burglary, first-degree arson, robbery, felony drug offenses, felony larceny, or felony banking law violations, felony obtaining money under false pretenses, felony embezzlement, abuse, neglect and/or exploitation of adults with severe impairments, exploitation of elders, or a crime under section 1128(a) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. § 1320a-7(a)). An employee against whom disqualifying information has been found may provide a copy of the national criminal records check to the employer who shall make a judgment regarding the continued employment of the employee. An employee against whom disqualifying information has been found may provide a copy of the national criminal records check to the employer who shall make a judgment regarding the continued employment of the employee.
(b)
For purposes of this section, “conviction” means, in addition to judgments of conviction entered by a court subsequent to a finding of guilty or a plea of guilty, those instances where the defendant has entered a plea of nolo contendere and has received a sentence of probation and those instances where a defendant has entered into a deferred sentence agreement with the attorney general.
History of Section.
P.L. 1991, ch. 368, § 3; P.L. 1993, ch. 306, § 2; P.L. 2014, ch. 347, § 3; P.L. 2014, ch. 399, § 3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-17 - Licensing of Healthcare Facilities › Section 23-17-38. - Establishment of fees.

§ 23-17-38. Establishment of fees.
The director shall establish fees for licensure application, licensure renewal, inspection, and administrative actions under this chapter. Annual inspection fees for hospitals and rehabilitation hospital centers shall be assessed on a per facility basis, as well as an additional fee per bed. Annual licensure fees for for-profit end stage renal dialysis facilities shall be assessed on a per facility basis. Annual licensure fees for home nursing-care providers and home-care providers shall be assessed on a per facility basis; however, no additional license fee shall be charged when a home nursing-care provider or home-care provider changes location during any calendar year for which an annual license fee has already been paid for that home nursing-care provider or home-care provider. All fees required in this section shall be as set forth in § 23-1-54. Annual licensure fees for organized ambulatory care facilities shall also be as set forth in § 23-1-54, provided that not-for-profit entities operating more than one ambulatory care facility shall be subject to a single annual licensure fee for all such licenses; provided, further, that nonprofit charitable community health centers, school based health centers and nonprofit hospice programs with a current home nursing care provider license shall be exempt from the fee. All annual licensure fees not otherwise designated shall be established in regulation and shall be collected and deposited as general revenues of the state.
History of Section.
P.L. 1993, ch. 138, art. 32, § 2; P.L. 1994, ch. 70, art. 19, § 2; P.L. 1994, ch. 330, § 1; P.L. 1994, ch. 386, § 1; P.L. 1995, ch. 370, art. 40, § 63; P.L. 1996, ch. 310, § 2; P.L. 2001, ch. 168, § 1; P.L. 2001, ch. 224, § 1; P.L. 2002, ch. 65, art. 13, § 21; P.L. 2002, ch. 398, § 1; P.L. 2007, ch. 73, art. 39, § 30; P.L. 2012, ch. 241, art. 9, § 40.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-17 - Licensing of Healthcare Facilities › Section 23-17-39. - Immunity from liability.

§ 23-17-39. Immunity from liability.
No employer who disqualifies an individual from employment or continued employment within thirty (30) days of receipt of a letter containing disqualifying information as defined in § 23-17-37 or of a criminal background report relating to the individual shall be liable for civil damages or subject to any claim, demand, cause of action or proceeding of any nature as a result of the disqualification.
History of Section.
P.L. 1993, ch. 306, § 3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-17 - Licensing of Healthcare Facilities › Section 23-17-41. - Employer/employee relationships.

§ 23-17-41. Employer/employee relationships.
A home nursing care provider and home care provider shall be considered for all purposes an employer; and those persons that it supplies on a temporary basis shall be considered employees and not independent contractors; and home nursing care providers and home care providers shall be subject to all state and federal laws which govern employer/employee relationships.
History of Section.
P.L. 1996, ch. 310, § 3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-17 - Licensing of Healthcare Facilities › Section 23-17-42. - Home nursing care providers — Uncompensated care provisions.

§ 23-17-42. Home nursing care providers — Uncompensated care provisions.
The director shall establish minimum level of uncompensated care on an annual basis to be provided by licensed home nursing care providers. These minimal levels shall be reasonable and shall be based upon historical levels of uncompensated care with the exclusion of bad debt. Failure to meet this standard shall be grounds for action pursuant to §§ 23-17-8 and 23-17-8.1.
History of Section.
P.L. 1996, ch. 310, § 3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-17 - Licensing of Healthcare Facilities › Section 23-17-43. - Charity care requirements.

§ 23-17-43. Charity care requirements.
Any new hospital or freestanding emergency-care facility licensee shall meet the statewide community standard for the provision of charity-care services as a condition of initial and continued licensure. That standard shall be consistent with guidelines established by the legislature in the charters of the existing hospitals in the state that hold charters from the legislature.
History of Section.
P.L. 1996, ch. 433, § 4; P.L. 2016, ch. 417, § 1; P.L. 2016, ch. 418, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-17 - Licensing of Healthcare Facilities › Section 23-17-45. - Quality standards for volume related tertiary services.

§ 23-17-45. Quality standards for volume related tertiary services.
The director is authorized to establish through regulation quality and volume related standards to be achieved and maintained for specific tertiary health care services offered by individual licensed health care facilities where peer reviewed medical and health literature establishes significant relationships between desired quality related outcomes and volume of services provided. The standards shall include time frames for achieving stipulated volumes of services. In developing the standards the director shall seek input from affected providers and the public at large. The director may accept in regulation the standards of and the accreditation from recognized national accrediting entities in lieu of standards and assessments otherwise developed pursuant to this section.
History of Section.
P.L. 1996, ch. 433, § 4.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-17 - Licensing of Healthcare Facilities › Section 23-17-46. - Financial interest disclosure.

§ 23-17-46. Financial interest disclosure.
(a)(1)
Any health care facility licensed pursuant to this chapter which refers clients to another licensed health care facility or to a residential care/assisted living facility licensed pursuant to chapter 17.4 of this title or to a certified adult day care program in which the referring entity has a financial interest shall, at the time a referral is made, disclose, in writing, the following information to the client: (i) that the referring entity has a financial interest in the facility or provider to which the referral is being made; (ii) that the client has the option of seeking care from a different facility or provider which is also licensed and/or certified by the state to provide similar services to the client.
(2)
The referring entity shall also offer the client a written list prepared by the department of all alternative licensed and/or certified facilities or providers.
(b)
Noncompliance with this section shall constitute grounds to revoke, suspend or otherwise discipline the licensee or to deny an application for licensure by the director, or may result in imposition of an administrative penalty in accordance with chapter 17.10 of this title.
History of Section.
P.L. 1997, ch. 103, § 1; P.L. 1997, ch. 162, § 1; P.L. 1998, ch. 373, § 1; P.L. 1998, ch. 396, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-17 - Licensing of Healthcare Facilities › Section 23-17-47. - Identification badges.

§ 23-17-47. Identification badges.
A health care facility shall require all persons, including students, who examine, observe, or treat a patient or resident of the facility to wear a photo identification badge which states, in a reasonably legible manner: (1) the first name, (2) licensure registration status, if any, (3) fluency in sign language other than English, if any, and (4) staff position of that person.
History of Section.
P.L. 1997, ch. 306, § 1; P.L. 2001, ch. 88, § 1; P.L. 2001, ch. 253, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-17 - Licensing of Healthcare Facilities › Section 23-17-48. - Labor disputes/actions.

§ 23-17-48. Labor disputes/actions.
Health care facilities shall provide the licensing agency with prompt notice of pending and actual labor disputes/actions which would impact delivery of patient care services including, but not limited to, strikes, walk-outs, and strike notices. Health care facilities shall provide a plan, acceptable to the director, for continued operation of the facility, suspension of operations, or closure in the event of an actual or potential labor dispute/action. The director of health has the authority to promulgate rules and regulations necessary to carry out the provisions of this section.
History of Section.
P.L. 1999, ch. 39, § 1; P.L. 1999, ch. 52, § 1; P.L. 1999, ch. 88, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-17 - Licensing of Healthcare Facilities › Section 23-17-49. - Surgical procedures — General provisions.

§ 23-17-49. Surgical procedures — General provisions.
(a)
The director shall determine through regulation categories of patients that shall be permitted to receive surgical services in free standing ambulatory surgical facilities, podiatry ambulatory surgery centers and physician ambulatory surgery centers providing surgical treatment based upon criteria including, but not limited to:
(1)
Risks related to patient characteristics;
(2)
The type of and risks associated with the anesthesia required; and
(3)
As appropriate, the complexity of the surgical procedure and the expected duration of the surgical procedure.
(b)
Further, the director shall determine through regulation categories of patients that are prohibited from receiving surgical services in free standing ambulatory surgical facilities, physician ambulatory surgery centers, podiatry ambulatory surgery centers, and physician offices not licensed under this chapter based upon criteria including, but not limited to:
(1)
Risks related to patient characteristics;
(2)
The type of and risks associated with the anesthesia required; and
(3)
As appropriate, the complexity of the surgical procedure.
History of Section.
P.L. 1999, ch. 136, § 3; P.L. 2002, ch. 412, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-17 - Licensing of Healthcare Facilities › Section 23-17-49.1. - Workplace and patient safety — Evacuation of surgical smoke plume required in operating rooms.

§ 23-17-49.1. Workplace and patient safety — Evacuation of surgical smoke plume required in operating rooms.
(a)
As used in this section, the following definitions shall apply:
(1)
“Smoke-evacuation system” means smoke evacuators, laser plume evacuators, or local exhaust ventilators that capture and neutralize plume at the site of origin and before plume can make ocular contact or contact with the respiratory tract of employees.
(2)
“Surgical smoke” means the by-product of use of energy-generating devices, including surgical plume, smoke plume, bio-aerosols, laser-generated airborne contaminants, and lung-damaging dust.
(b)
In order to protect patient and health workers from the hazards of surgical smoke, each hospital and freestanding ambulatory surgical facility licensed in the state of Rhode Island pursuant to this chapter shall adopt policies to ensure the elimination of surgical smoke by use of a smoke-evacuation system for each procedure that generates surgical smoke from the use of energy-based devices such as, but not limited to, electrosurgery and lasers.
(c)
Each hospital and freestanding ambulatory surgical center shall report to the department of health within ninety days (90) of the effective date of this act that policies pursuant to this section have been adopted.
History of Section.
P.L. 2018, ch. 18, § 1; P.L. 2018, ch. 25, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-17 - Licensing of Healthcare Facilities › Section 23-17-50. - Physician ambulatory-surgery center — Accreditation, survey, complaint investigation, and exemptions.

§ 23-17-50. Physician ambulatory-surgery center — Accreditation, survey, complaint investigation, and exemptions.
(a)
Accreditation from a national organization acceptable to the director may be required, at the discretion of the director, in lieu of an annual survey by the department.
(b)
The provisions of subsection (a) shall not limit in any way the prerogatives of the director to inspect any physician ambulatory-surgery center at any reasonable time, whether for purpose of general survey or for complaint investigation. The director has access to all records of the licensed physician ambulatory-surgery center including medical records.
(c)
Single practice physician ambulatory-surgery centers as defined in § 23-17-2(17) are exempt from the requirements of chapter 15 of this title.
(d)
Single practice physician ambulatory-surgery centers as defined in § 23-17-2(17) are exempt from the provisions of §§ 23-17-14.3 and 23-17-14.4 with respect to initial licensure under this chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 1999, ch. 136, § 3; P.L. 2002, ch. 412, § 1; P.L. 2009, ch. 197, § 2; P.L. 2009, ch. 287, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-17 - Licensing of Healthcare Facilities › Section 23-17-52. - Department of health concern line.

§ 23-17-52. Department of health concern line.
Any hospital licensed pursuant to this chapter shall provide the department of health’s concern line number to all patients and staff through posted notices in conspicuous places throughout the hospital. The notices shall be written in English and in, at minimum, the three (3) most common foreign languages used by the patients served by each hospital as determined by the hospital.
History of Section.
P.L. 2000, ch. 76, § 1; P.L. 2001, ch. 88, § 1; P.L. 2001, ch. 253, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-17 - Licensing of Healthcare Facilities › Section 23-17-53. - Physician contracts.

§ 23-17-53. Physician contracts.
(a)
A hospital, by contract or otherwise, may not refuse or fail to grant or renew medical staff membership or staff privileges, or condition or otherwise limit or restrict medical staff membership or staff privileges, based in whole or in part on the fact that the physician or a partner, associate, or employee of the physician is providing medical or healthcare services at a different hospital, hospital system, or on behalf of a health plan. Notwithstanding the previous sentence, a hospital may condition or otherwise limit or restrict staff privileges for reasons related to the availability of limited resources as determined in advance by the hospital’s governing body. Nor shall a hospital by contract, or otherwise, limit a physician’s participation or staff privileges or the participation or staff privileges of a partner, associate, or employee of the physician at a different hospital, hospital system or health plan.
(b)
This section does not prevent a hospital from entering into contracts with physicians to ensure physician availability and coverage at the hospital or to comply with regulatory requirements or quality of care standards established by the governing body of the hospital, if contracts, requirements or standards do not require that a physician join, participate in or contract with a physician-hospital organization or similar organization as a condition of the grant or continuation of medical staff membership or staff privileges at the hospital.
(c)
This section does not prevent the governing body of a hospital from limiting the number of physicians granted medical staff membership or privileges at the hospital based on a medical staff development plan that is unrelated to a physician or a partner, associate, or employee of a physician having medical staff membership or privileges at another hospital or hospital system.
(d)
A contract provision that violates this section shall be void and of no force and effect.
(e)
Hospitals shall allow patients of their medical staff to be evaluated and educated by the various appropriate departments of the hospital upon referral by their treating physician, regardless of the physician affiliation, as long as the physician has unrestricted privileges in their field of practice.
History of Section.
P.L. 2000, ch. 124, § 1; P.L. 2000, ch. 331, § 1; P.L. 2009, ch. 132, § 1; P.L. 2009, ch. 172, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-17 - Licensing of Healthcare Facilities › Section 23-17-54. - Provisions of interpreter services.

§ 23-17-54. Provisions of interpreter services.
(a)
Every hospital and freestanding emergency-care facility shall, as a condition of initial or continued licensure, provide a qualified interpreter, if an appropriate bilingual clinician is not available to translate, in connection with all services provided to every non-English speaker who is a patient or seeks appropriate care and treatment and is not accompanied or represented by an appropriate, qualified interpreter or a qualified sign-language interpreter who has attained at least sixteen (16) years of age.
(b)
Each hospital and freestanding emergency-care facility shall post a multi-lingual notice in conspicuous places setting forth the requirement in subsection (a) in English and the, at minimum, three (3) most-common foreign languages used by the hospital or freestanding emergency-care facility as determined by the hospital or freestanding emergency-care facility.
(c)
The receipt by a non-English speaker of interpreter services shall not be deemed the receipt of a benefit under any provisions of law restricting benefits or assistance on the basis of immigrant status.
(d)
Nothing in this section shall be construed to affect or limit any rights, remedies, or obligations under chapter 24 of title 11 or under chapters 87 or 112 of title 42.
History of Section.
P.L. 2001, ch. 88, § 2; P.L. 2001, ch. 253, § 2; P.L. 2016, ch. 417, § 1; P.L. 2016, ch. 418, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-17 - Licensing of Healthcare Facilities › Section 23-17-55. - Severability.

§ 23-17-55. Severability.
If any provision of this chapter or the application of it to any person or circumstances is held invalid, that invalidity shall not affect other provisions or applications of the chapter which can be given effect without the invalid provision or application, and to this end the provisions of this chapter are declared to be severable.
History of Section.
P.L. 2001, ch. 88, § 2; P.L. 2001, ch. 253, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-17 - Licensing of Healthcare Facilities › Section 23-17-56. - School based health centers — Special requirements and exceptions.

§ 23-17-56. School based health centers — Special requirements and exceptions.
(a)
In order to apply for and/or maintain a current license as a school based health center, a person must possess a current license as a health care facility pursuant to the provisions of this chapter.
(b)
School based health centers shall be exempt from the provisions of §§ 23-17-14.3 and 23-17-14.4.
History of Section.
P.L. 2001, ch. 168, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-17 - Licensing of Healthcare Facilities › Section 23-17-57. - Podiatry ambulatory-surgery center — Accreditation, survey, complaint investigation, and exemptions.

§ 23-17-57. Podiatry ambulatory-surgery center — Accreditation, survey, complaint investigation, and exemptions.
(a)
Accreditation from a national organization acceptable to the director may be required, at the discretion of the director, in lieu of an annual survey by the department.
(b)
The provisions of subsection (a) shall not limit in any way the prerogatives of the director to inspect any podiatry ambulatory-surgery center at any reasonable time, whether for purpose of general survey or for complaint investigation. The director has access to all records of the licensed podiatry ambulatory-surgery center including medical records.
(c)
Single practice podiatry ambulatory-surgery centers as defined in § 23-17-2(18) are exempt from the requirements of chapter 15 of this title.
(d)
Single practice podiatry ambulatory-surgery centers as defined in § 23-17-2(18) are exempt from the provisions of §§ 23-17-14.3 and 23-17-14.4 with respect to initial licensure under this chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 2002, ch. 412, § 2; P.L. 2009, ch. 197, § 2; P.L. 2009, ch. 287, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-17 - Licensing of Healthcare Facilities › Section 23-17-58. - Documentation of pre-hospital and pre-freestanding emergency-care facility exposure of emergency medical services workers.

§ 23-17-58. Documentation of pre-hospital and pre-freestanding emergency-care facility exposure of emergency medical services workers.
Hospitals and freestanding emergency-care facilities shall be required to complete the hospital-related information requirements of the pre-hospital exposure form for emergency service workers as required by § 23-4.1-19. Further, the hospitals and freestanding emergency-care facilities shall report to the director of the department of health the information and data as may be required by regulation.
History of Section.
P.L. 2006, ch. 224, § 2; P.L. 2016, ch. 417, § 1; P.L. 2016, ch. 418, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-17 - Licensing of Healthcare Facilities › Section 23-17-60. - Compilation and publication of the charges for common hospital procedures.

§ 23-17-60. Compilation and publication of the charges for common hospital procedures.
(a)
Each hospital, licensed under this chapter, shall compile a list of its twenty-five (25) most commonly performed outpatient procedures and shall submit annually to the department of health a list of the range of average charges for each procedure, in a uniform reporting form adopted by the department.
(b)
The department shall establish a list of the twenty-five (25) most commonly performed inpatient procedures in Rhode Island hospitals, as organized by a Medicare diagnostic-related group. The department of health shall annually develop a list of each hospital’s range of average charges for those procedures. The department shall publish this compiled information on its website.
(c)
Each hospital shall provide a copy of the lists described in subsections (a) and (b) to any person upon request.
History of Section.
P.L. 2014, ch. 366, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 376, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-17 - Licensing of Healthcare Facilities › Section 23-17-61. - Written estimates for hospital medical services.

§ 23-17-61. Written estimates for hospital medical services.
Upon the request of any person without health coverage or with an insurance deductible of five thousand dollars ($5,000) or higher, a hospital shall, within five (5) calendar days, provide that person with a written estimate based upon the best medical information known at the time, of the amount the hospital will require the person to pay for the healthcare services, procedures, and supplies that are reasonably expected to be provided to the person by the hospital, based upon an average length of stay and services provided for the person’s diagnosis and including the amount for any facility fees required. The estimate may also indicate that it does not reflect any unanticipated services that become apparent at the time of treatment. The hospital may provide this estimate during normal business office hours. In addition to the estimate, the hospital shall provide information about its financial assistance and charity care policies and contact information for a hospital employee or office from which the person may obtain further information about these policies. If requested, the hospital shall also provide the person with an application for financial assistance or charity care. This section shall not apply to emergency services.
History of Section.
P.L. 2014, ch. 366, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 376, § 1; P.L. 2017, ch. 366, § 1; P.L. 2017, ch. 379, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-17 - Licensing of Healthcare Facilities › Section 23-17-63. - Patient safety — Circulating nurses required in operating rooms.

§ 23-17-63. Patient safety — Circulating nurses required in operating rooms.
(a)
The following definitions apply in this section:
(1)
“Circulating nurse” means registered nurse licensed to practice in the state of Rhode Island who is educated and trained in perioperative nursing.
(2)
“Perioperative nursing” means specialized area of nursing practice that involves the planning, coordination, delivery, and evaluation of nursing care to patients whose protective reflexes or self-care abilities are potentially compromised during surgical procedures.
(b)
In order to enhance patient safety and protection, each hospital and freestanding ambulatory surgical facility licensed in the state of Rhode Island shall adopt policies and procedures to have a minimum of one circulating nurse physically present in each operating room for the duration of each surgical procedure to:
(1)
Coordinate the nursing care and safety needs of patients in the operating room; and
(2)
Support the surgical team as appropriate during surgery.
(c)
The department of health shall not issue or renew a license unless the applicant is in compliance with this section.
History of Section.
P.L. 2016, ch. 487, § 1; P.L. 2016, ch. 492, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-17 - Licensing of Healthcare Facilities › Section 23-17-64. - Influenza immunization.

§ 23-17-64. Influenza immunization.
Between October 1 and March 1 of each year, each hospital shall offer, prior to discharge, immunizations against influenza virus to all inpatients sixty-five (65) years of age and older, unless contraindicated, and contingent upon the availability of the vaccine, in accordance with the latest recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
History of Section.
P.L. 2018, ch. 158, § 1; P.L. 2018, ch. 206, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-17 - Licensing of Healthcare Facilities › Section 23-17-65. - Transparency of ownership in healthcare facilities.

§ 23-17-65. Transparency of ownership in healthcare facilities.
(a)
Any operator or operators of a nursing facility shall file with the department of health information of ownership including, but not limited to, the following:
(1)
The name, address, and a description of the interest held by each of the following persons:
(i)
Any person who, directly or indirectly, beneficially owns any interest in the land on which the facility is located;
(ii)
Any person who, directly or indirectly, beneficially owns any interest in the building in which the facility is located;
(iii)
Any person who, directly or indirectly, beneficially owns any interest in any mortgage, note, deed of trust, or other obligation secured, in whole or in part, by the land on which or building in which the facility is located;
(iv)
Any person who, directly or indirectly, has any interest as lessor or lessee in any lease or sub-lease of the land on which or the building in which the facility is located;
(v)
Any person who is the ultimate and actual owner of the land, building, mortgages, and leases of the nursing facility and any lessee of the land or building; and
(vi)
The operator or operators of the nursing facility.
(2)
If any person named in subsection (a)(1) of this section is a partnership or limited liability company, then the name and address of each partner or member.
(3)
If any person named in subsection (a)(1) of this section is a corporation, other than a corporation whose shares are traded on a national securities exchange or are regularly quoted in an over-the-counter market or which is a commercial bank, savings bank, or savings and loan association, then the name and address of each officer, director, stockholder and, if known, each principal stockholder and controlling person of such corporation.
(4)
If any corporation named in subsection (a)(1) of this section is a corporation whose shares are traded on a national securities exchange or are regularly quoted in an over-the-counter market or which is a commercial bank, savings bank, or savings and loan association, then the name and address of the principal executive officers and each director and, if known, each principal stockholder of such corporation.
(b)
In order to promote greater transparency, the department of health shall, upon request, furnish to the public all documents and information received pursuant to this section.
(c)
As used in this section, the term “operator” means the licensee and also includes the complete ownership entity above the actual entity holding the license.
History of Section.
P.L. 2022, ch. 299, § 1, effective June 29, 2022; P.L. 2022, ch. 300, § 1, effective June 29, 2022.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-17.2 - Accountability of Services to Patients of Nursing or Personal Care Homes › Section 23-17.2-1. - Short title.

§ 23-17.2-1. Short title.
This chapter may be cited as the “Nursing or Personal Care Home Accountability Act”.
History of Section.
P.L. 1976, ch. 284, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-17.2 - Accountability of Services to Patients of Nursing or Personal Care Homes › Section 23-17.2-2. - Entries required in log or journal.

§ 23-17.2-2. Entries required in log or journal.
(a)
Any person employed or compensated by the state for their services to patients or residents of nursing or personal care homes, as defined in chapter 17 of this title, shall, upon each official visit to a nursing or personal care home, enter in a log or journal as defined in this chapter:
(1)
His or her full name, both signed and printed;
(2)
His or her official position, title, or representative capacity;
(3)
The date and time the person entered and departed the facility; and
(4)
A brief description of the purpose of his or her visit.
(b)
The log or journal shall be a public record available to public inspection at all reasonable times.
History of Section.
P.L. 1976, ch. 284, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-17.2 - Accountability of Services to Patients of Nursing or Personal Care Homes › Section 23-17.2-3. - Duties of the director.

§ 23-17.2-3. Duties of the director.
The department of health shall enforce the provisions of this chapter and the director of the department shall design and issue a log or journal to be maintained by and in each nursing or personal care home which shall provide for the information required by this chapter. The director, or the director’s agent or designee not regularly engaged in nursing or personal care home visitation shall examine, inspect, and certify the contents of the log or journal biannually. A separate section of the log or journal shall contain the full name, both signed and printed, of the director, the director’s agent or designee and the date and time the log or journal was certified.
History of Section.
P.L. 1976, ch. 284, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-17.2 - Accountability of Services to Patients of Nursing or Personal Care Homes › Section 23-17.2-4. - Duties of administrator.

§ 23-17.2-4. Duties of administrator.
The administrator of every nursing or personal care home subject to the provisions of this chapter shall maintain and provide for the safekeeping of the log or journal and shall further maintain an original signature card of every person required to comply with § 23-17.2-2.
History of Section.
P.L. 1976, ch. 284, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-17.2 - Accountability of Services to Patients of Nursing or Personal Care Homes › Section 23-17.2-5. - Duty to report violations.

§ 23-17.2-5. Duty to report violations.
Any person who knows or has reason to know of any violations of this chapter shall report the violations to the director of the department of health who shall conduct an immediate investigation and report his or her findings to the attorney general.
History of Section.
P.L. 1976, ch. 284, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-17.2 - Accountability of Services to Patients of Nursing or Personal Care Homes › Section 23-17.2-6. - Failure to comply.

§ 23-17.2-6. Failure to comply.
Any person who fails to comply with the provisions of this chapter shall be fined fifty dollars ($50.00) for each failure. Any person employed by the state who fails to comply as provided in this chapter shall be subject to being discharged from that employment.
History of Section.
P.L. 1976, ch. 284, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-17.2 - Accountability of Services to Patients of Nursing or Personal Care Homes › Section 23-17.2-7. - Altering or falsifying log or journal — Misdemeanor.

§ 23-17.2-7. Altering or falsifying log or journal — Misdemeanor.
Any person who knowingly signs the name of another, or signs his or her own name and enters false information in the log or journal, or otherwise alters the information contained in the log or journal shall be guilty of a misdemeanor. Any person employed by the state found to have violated the provisions of this section shall be discharged from that employment.
History of Section.
P.L. 1976, ch. 284, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-17.3 - Long-Term Care Coordinating Council › Section 23-17.3-1. - Establishment — Purposes — Reports to Council.

§ 23-17.3-1. Establishment — Purposes — Reports to Council.
(a)
There is established the long-term care coordinating council. The purpose of the council shall be to develop and coordinate state policy concerning all forms of long-term health care for the elderly and adults with chronic disabilities and illnesses, ranging from at-home and community based care and respite care through intensive nursing care to long-term hospital care. The council shall examine and make recommendations concerning any and all issues relating to long-term health care for the elderly and adults with chronic disabilities and illnesses, including, but not limited to:
(1)
Standards and quality performance;
(2)
Personnel issues including training standards, recruitment, and staffing needs;
(3)
Enforcement of regulations;
(4)
Patient and client rights;
(5)
Eligibility and access issues; and
(6)
The adequacy of funding and delivery of long-term care services.
(b)
The council is empowered to appoint subcommittees to study specialized areas of concern and to report their findings to the council.
(c)
The council is empowered to seek the advice and assistance of the American Association of Retired Persons, Rhode Island chapter, members of state and local senior citizens’ councils and advocacy/interest groups, and long term care organizations and associations.
(d)
The council is empowered to apply for and receive grants, appropriations, or gifts from any federal, state, or local agency, from any public or private foundation, or from any individual in order to carry out the purposes of this chapter.
(e)
All departments, boards, and agencies of the state shall cooperate with the council and furnish any advice and information, documentary and otherwise, that may be necessary or desirable to facilitate the purposes of this chapter.
(f)
The department of health shall provide a written report to the long-term care coordinating council by March 30 of each year regarding its regulatory activities for the preceding calendar year in the area of long-term care. The annual regulatory report shall include information on long-term care survey activities, including complaints of abuse and/or neglect, as requested by the chairperson of the council. In addition, the department of health shall also notify the chairperson of the council whenever a licensed long term care facility or provider is cited for providing substandard care.
History of Section.
P.L. 1987, ch. 117, § 2; P.L. 1998, ch. 233, § 1; P.L. 1999, ch. 26, § 1; P.L. 1999, ch. 198, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-17.3 - Long-Term Care Coordinating Council › Section 23-17.3-3. - Organization — Officers.

§ 23-17.3-3. Organization — Officers.
The members of the council shall elect from among themselves a chairperson, a vice chairperson, and a secretary. The officers shall serve one-year terms and shall be eligible to succeed themselves.
History of Section.
P.L. 1987, ch. 117, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-17.3 - Long-Term Care Coordinating Council › Section 23-17.3-4. - Public meetings.

§ 23-17.3-4. Public meetings.
The council shall meet at least four (4) times annually. All meetings of the council shall be open to the public, and the public shall be duly notified of the date, time, and location of each meeting.
History of Section.
P.L. 1987, ch. 117, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-17.3 - Long-Term Care Coordinating Council › Section 23-17.3-5. - Reports and recommendations.

§ 23-17.3-5. Reports and recommendations.
The council shall submit an annual report to the governor and the general assembly on or before January 15th of each year, setting forth the council’s recommendations for the betterment of long-term health care for the elderly. In addition, the council shall make recommendations to the appropriate state agencies whenever it considers the recommendations to be necessary.
History of Section.
P.L. 1987, ch. 117, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-17.4 - Assisted Living Residence Licensing Act › Section 23-17.4-1. - Short title.

§ 23-17.4-1. Short title.
This chapter may be cited as the “Assisted Living Residence Licensing Act”.
History of Section.
P.L. 1981, ch. 212, § 2; P.L. 1981, ch. 226, § 2; P.L. 1991, ch. 240, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-17.4 - Assisted Living Residence Licensing Act › Section 23-17.4-3. - Purpose of provisions.

§ 23-17.4-3. Purpose of provisions.
The purpose of this chapter is to provide for the development, establishment, and enforcement of standards:
(1)
For the care of residents in an assisted living residence;
(2)
For the maintenance and operation of assisted living residences which will:
(i)
Promote the dignity, individuality, independence, privacy, and autonomy of residents;
(ii)
Provide a safe and home-like environment;
(iii)
Protect the safety, health and welfare of residents;
(3)
For the encouragement of quality of life for all residents; and
(4)
For the encouragement of quality in all aspects of the operations of assisted living residences.
History of Section.
P.L. 1981, ch. 212, § 2; P.L. 1981, ch. 226, § 2; P.L. 1991, ch. 240, § 2; P.L. 2002, ch. 157, § 1; P.L. 2002, ch. 158, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-17.4 - Assisted Living Residence Licensing Act › Section 23-17.4-4. - License required for assisted living residence operation.

§ 23-17.4-4. License required for assisted living residence operation.
(a)
No person, acting severally or jointly with any other person, shall establish, conduct, or maintain an assisted living residence in this state without a license under this chapter.
(b)
No person, acting severally or jointly with any other person, shall admit or retain a resident in an assisted living residence which residence: (1) does not meet the definition and requirements of this chapter; or (2) is not able to provide the services needed by a resident as agreed to in the service plan required under § 23-17.4-15.6.
History of Section.
P.L. 1981, ch. 212, § 2; P.L. 1981, ch. 226, § 2; P.L. 1991, ch. 240, § 2; P.L. 2002, ch. 157, § 1; P.L. 2002, ch. 158, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-17.4 - Assisted Living Residence Licensing Act › Section 23-17.4-5. - Application for license.

§ 23-17.4-5. Application for license.
An application for a license shall be made to the licensing agency upon forms provided by it and shall contain any information that the licensing agency reasonably requires, which may include affirmative evidence of ability to comply with reasonable standards, rules, and regulations as are lawfully prescribed under this chapter. The licensing agency shall require criminal background checks on owners and operators of licensed assisted living residences.
History of Section.
P.L. 1981, ch. 212, § 2; P.L. 1981, ch. 226, § 2; P.L. 2002, ch. 157, § 1; P.L. 2002, ch. 158, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-17.4 - Assisted Living Residence Licensing Act › Section 23-17.4-7. - Expiration and renewal of license.

§ 23-17.4-7. Expiration and renewal of license.
A license, unless sooner suspended or revoked, shall expire by limitation on the thirty-first (31st) day of December following its issuance and may be renewed from year to year after approval by the licensing agency.
History of Section.
P.L. 1981, ch. 212, § 2; P.L. 1981, ch. 226, § 2; P.L. 2006, ch. 541, § 1; P.L. 2006, ch. 550, § 1; P.L. 2017, ch. 203, § 2; P.L. 2017, ch. 267, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-17.4 - Assisted Living Residence Licensing Act › Section 23-17.4-8. - Denial, suspension, or revocation of license.

§ 23-17.4-8. Denial, suspension, or revocation of license.
The licensing agency, after notice and opportunity for hearing to the applicant or licensee, is authorized to deny, suspend, or revoke a license in any case in which it finds that there has been failure to comply with the requirements established under this chapter. The notice shall be effected by registered or certified mail or by personal service, setting forth the particular reasons for the proposed action and fixing a date not less than thirty (30) days from the date of the mailing or service, at which the applicant or licensee shall be given an opportunity for a prompt and fair hearing. On the basis of the hearing, or upon default of the applicant or licensee, the licensing agency shall make determination specifying its findings of fact and conclusions of law. A copy of the determination shall be sent by registered or certified mail or served personally upon the applicant or licensee. The decision denying, suspending, or revoking the license or application shall become final thirty (30) days after it is so mailed or served, unless the applicant or licensee, within such thirty (30) day period, appeals the decision pursuant to § 42-35-15. The procedure governing hearings authorized by this section shall be in accordance with §§ 42-35-9 — 42-35-13 as stipulated in § 42-35-14(a). A full and complete record shall be kept of all proceedings, and all testimony shall be reported but need not be transcribed unless the decision is appealed pursuant to § 42-35-15. A copy or copies of the transcript may be obtained by any interested party on payment of the cost of preparing the copy or copies. Witnesses may be subpoenaed by either party.
History of Section.
P.L. 1981, ch. 212, § 2; P.L. 1981, ch. 226, § 2.