reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-66 - Office of Healthy Aging › Section 42-66-7. - Advisory commission on aging.

§ 42-66-7. Advisory commission on aging.
(a)
Within the department of elderly affairs there shall be an advisory commission on aging consisting of twenty-five (25) members, four (4) of whom shall be from the general assembly as hereinafter provided, and twenty-one (21) of whom shall be appointed by the governor, thirteen (13) of whom shall be elderly consumers representative of that segment of the population. In the case of members of the commission appointed by the governor, they shall be chosen and shall hold office for three (3) years, except that in the original appointments, seven (7) members shall be designated to serve for one year, seven (7) members shall be designated to serve for two (2) years and seven (7) members shall be designated to serve for three (3) years, respectively, and until their respective successors are appointed and qualified. In the month of February in each year the governor shall appoint successors to the members of the commission whose terms shall expire in such year to hold office until the first day of March in the third year after their appointment and until their respective successors are appointed and qualified.
(b)
The four (4) members from the general assembly shall be appointed, two (2) from the house of representatives by the speaker, one from each of the two (2) major political parties, and two (2) from the senate by the president of the senate, one each from the two (2) major political parties, each to serve until the thirty-first day of December in the second year of the term to which the member has been elected. Any vacancy, which may occur in the commission, shall be filled in like manner as the original appointment, for the remainder of the unexpired term.
(c)
The members of the commission at the first meeting shall elect a chairperson and such other officers as they may deem necessary. The commission shall meet at the call of the governor or the chairperson and shall make suggestions to and advise the governor or the director concerning the policies and problems confronting the aged and aging of the state. The members of the commission shall serve without compensation but shall be compensated for their necessary and actual traveling expenses in the performance of their official duties.
History of Section.
P.L. 1977, ch. 235, § 2; P.L. 1988, ch. 304, § 1; P.L. 1992, ch. 242, § 1; P.L. 1999, ch. 105, § 3; P.L. 2001, ch. 180, § 110.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-66 - Office of Healthy Aging › Section 42-66-8.1. - Abuse of elderly persons — Telephone line.

§ 42-66-8.1. Abuse of elderly persons — Telephone line.
The director shall provide, for the use of the general public, a statewide toll free, twenty-four (24) hour a day, seven (7) days a week telephone line, to report abuse, neglect, exploitation and self-neglect of the elderly.
History of Section.
P.L. 1988, ch. 303, § 1; P.L. 2007, ch. 84, § 1; P.L. 2007, ch. 209, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-66 - Office of Healthy Aging › Section 42-66-9. - Obstruction of provision of services.

§ 42-66-9. Obstruction of provision of services.
(a)
No person shall obstruct the provision of available and existing services to a person sixty (60) years of age or older who has been abused, neglected, exploited or who is self-neglecting. For the purposes of this section, “obstruction” shall mean threats, intimidation, assaults and/or abuse, whether physical or emotional, made with the intent to prevent or dissuade the recipient or proposed recipient from accepting, requesting, and/or receiving services available under § 42-66-8. Any person who violates the provisions of this section shall be punished by a fine of not more than five hundred dollars ($500).
(b)
However, nothing in this chapter is construed to mean a person is abused, neglected, exploited or is self-neglecting for the sole reason that person is being furnished or relies upon treatment by spiritual means through prayer alone in accordance with the tenets and practices of a church or religious denomination recognized by the laws of this state.
(c)
No person shall deny access to a person sixty (60) years of age or older who is alleged to be a victim of abuse, neglect, exploitation or who is self-neglecting, while the staff person is investigating a report made under this chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 1981, ch. 69, § 2; P.L. 1991, ch. 253, § 1; P.L. 2007, ch. 84, § 1; P.L. 2007, ch. 209, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-66 - Office of Healthy Aging › Section 42-66-10. - Confidentiality of records.

§ 42-66-10. Confidentiality of records.
Any records of the department or other agency pertaining to a person reported to be abused, neglected, exploited or self-neglecting shall be confidential. The records shall not be deemed public and shall be considered records under § 38-2-2(4)(i). The director may, however, disclose to the attorney general, any local state; or federal police officials, appropriate courts, state departments, public or private agencies, or medical personnel, pertinent information that is necessary to investigate reports of abuse, neglect, exploitation, or self-neglect, the coordination of needed services, the protection of the elderly victim or criminal prosecution.
History of Section.
P.L. 1981, ch. 69, § 2; P.L. 1991, ch. 253, § 1; P.L. 2007, ch. 84, § 1; P.L. 2007, ch. 209, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-66 - Office of Healthy Aging › Section 42-66-11. - Immunity from liability.

§ 42-66-11. Immunity from liability.
Any person participating in good faith in making a report pursuant to § 42-66-8, excluding any perpetrator or conspirator of those acts, has immunity from any liability, civil or criminal, that might otherwise be incurred or imposed.
History of Section.
P.L. 1982, ch. 127, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-66 - Office of Healthy Aging › Section 42-66-12. - Transfer of powers and functions from department of elderly affairs.

§ 42-66-12. Transfer of powers and functions from department of elderly affairs.
There are transferred to the department of administration:
(1)
Those functions of the department of elderly affairs which were administered through or with respect to departmental programs in the performance of strategic planning as defined in § 42-11-10(c);
(2)
All officers, employees, agencies, advisory councils, committees, commissions and task forces of the department of elderly affairs who were performing strategic planning functions as defined in § 42-11-10(c); and
(3)
So much of other functions or parts of functions and employees and resources, physical and funded, related to these of the director of elderly affairs as are incidental to and necessary for the performance of the functions transferred by subdivisions (1) and (2).
History of Section.
P.L. 1985, ch. 181, art. 29, § 12.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-66 - Office of Healthy Aging › Section 42-66-17. - Disclosure of financial interest.

§ 42-66-17. Disclosure of financial interest.
(a)
Any licensed or certified adult day care program which refers clients to any health care facility licensed pursuant to chapter 17 of title 23 or to a residential care/assisted living facility licensed pursuant to chapter 17.4 of title 23 or to a licensed/certified adult day care program which the referring entity has a financial interest shall, at the time a referral is made, disclose the following information to the client: (1) that the referring entity has a financial interest in the facility or provider to which the referral is being made; (2) 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.
The referring entity shall also offer the client a written list prepared by the department of all such alternative licensed and/or certified facilities or providers.
(b)
Non-compliance 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 title 23.
History of Section.
P.L. 1997, ch. 103, § 3; P.L. 1997, ch. 162, § 3; P.L. 1998, ch. 373, § 3; P.L. 1998, ch. 396, § 3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-66.1 - Security for Housing for the Elderly Act › Section 42-66.1-1. - Short title.

§ 42-66.1-1. Short title.
This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the “Security for Housing for the Elderly Act”.
History of Section.
P.L. 1982, ch. 357, § 1; P.L. 1986, ch. 198, § 41; P.L. 1991, ch. 168, § 1; P.L. 1991, ch. 310, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-66.1 - Security for Housing for the Elderly Act › Section 42-66.1-2. - Definitions.

§ 42-66.1-2. Definitions.
As used in this chapter, unless the context requires otherwise:
(1)
“Director” shall mean the director of the department of elderly affairs or the director’s designee.
(2)
“Housing for the elderly” shall mean private and public housing complexes designated by the federal government as housing for the elderly located in the state.
History of Section.
P.L. 1982, ch. 357, § 1; P.L. 1983, ch. 196, § 2; P.L. 1983, ch. 242, § 1; P.L. 1985, ch. 250, § 1; P.L. 1985, ch. 447, § 1; P.L. 1986, ch. 71, § 1; P.L. 1986, ch. 117, § 1; P.L. 1987, ch. 241, § 1; P.L. 1991, ch. 168, § 1; P.L. 1991, ch. 310, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-66.1 - Security for Housing for the Elderly Act › Section 42-66.1-3. - Program established.

§ 42-66.1-3. Program established.
(a)
In order to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of elderly citizens who are residents of housing for the elderly, the director shall establish a grant program to assist in providing security at housing for the elderly complexes.
(b)
Participation in the program shall be voluntary. The owner, manager, or governing body of a housing complex for the elderly shall apply to the director to be part of the program.
(c)
The director shall require each complex that participates in the program to submit satisfactory evidence of a periodic and ongoing resident security educational program and a safety and security plan.
(d)
The director shall establish regulations to require each housing for the elderly complex, as part of its tenant acceptance process, to review and consider any notice provided to the housing complex as required in subsection 42-56-10(23) concerning the tenant’s or prospective tenant’s status on parole and recommendations, if any, regarding safety and security measures.
History of Section.
P.L. 1982, ch. 357, § 1; P.L. 1983, ch. 196, § 2; P.L. 1985, ch. 250, § 1; P.L. 1991, ch. 168, § 1; P.L. 1991, ch. 310, § 1; P.L. 2006, ch. 540, § 4.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-66.1 - Security for Housing for the Elderly Act › Section 42-66.1-4. - Cost of security program — Matching funds.

§ 42-66.1-4. Cost of security program — Matching funds.
The cost of the program shall be borne according to the following formula:
(1)
In private complexes, twenty-five percent (25%) of the cost shall be absorbed by the state and seventy-five percent (75%) by the owner of the complex.
(2)
In public complexes, seventy-five percent (75%) of the cost shall be absorbed by the state and twenty-five percent (25%) by the housing authority. The cost upon which reimbursement is made shall be formulated in accordance with the rules and regulations promulgated by the director pursuant to § 42-66.1-5. Security personnel and equipment are reimbursable under this program. Costs incurred by a municipality or agency shall not be eligible for reimbursement pursuant to §§ 45-13-6 — 45-13-11.
History of Section.
P.L. 1982, ch. 357, § 1; P.L. 1991, ch. 168, § 1; P.L. 1991, ch. 310, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-66.1 - Security for Housing for the Elderly Act › Section 42-66.1-5. - Duties of the director.

§ 42-66.1-5. Duties of the director.
The director or the director’s designee shall promulgate rules concerning the eligibility to participate in the program and shall decide on an application based on the safety needs of the applicant.
History of Section.
P.L. 1982, ch. 357, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-66.1 - Security for Housing for the Elderly Act › Section 42-66.1-6. - Security personnel and equipment.

§ 42-66.1-6. Security personnel and equipment.
(a)
All security guards hired shall have a background in security work or similar training. All security personnel shall be in uniform while on duty and shall not carry firearms. A security officer shall have the same immunities and may exercise in and upon the lands and buildings of the institution by which the officer is employed, and upon streets and highways immediately adjacent to those lands, the same powers and authority of a police officer as the immunities and powers are conferred by the laws of this state upon members of the division of state police, including the power to arrest persons for violation of state criminal statutes or for violation of city or town ordinances of the city or town in which the institution is located.
(b)
Security equipment shall include any mechanical/electrical security devices and/or physical improvements to the building that would contribute to the overall security and safety of the elderly housing complex. Funding may be provided for the purchase, installation, and/or maintenance of this security equipment.
History of Section.
P.L. 1982, ch. 357, § 1; P.L. 1991, ch. 168, § 1; P.L. 1991, ch. 310, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-66.1 - Security for Housing for the Elderly Act › Section 42-66.1-7. - Continuing powers of state and local police.

§ 42-66.1-7. Continuing powers of state and local police.
Appointment of security officers under this chapter shall in no way limit the powers, authority and responsibility of state police and police of the various cities and towns to enforce state law and municipal ordinances on property owned by the authority employing security officers. The division of state police and city and town police shall assist security officers in matters relating to the detention and arraignment of prisoners for court. The security officers shall submit reports concerning an arrest to the department processing the arrest, whether the division of state police or the police in the city or town where the educational institution is located.
History of Section.
P.L. 1982, ch. 357, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-66.1 - Security for Housing for the Elderly Act › Section 42-66.1-8. - Federally designated elderly housing complexes.

§ 42-66.1-8. Federally designated elderly housing complexes.
Every public and private housing complex designated by the federal government as housing for the elderly in the state shall establish and maintain a security system approved by the director by July 1, 1993.
History of Section.
P.L. 1991, ch. 310, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-66.1 - Security for Housing for the Elderly Act › Section 42-66.1-11. - Penalty — Procedure — Designated account.

§ 42-66.1-11. Penalty — Procedure — Designated account.
(a)
Any housing complex for the elderly that fails to meet the requirements as outlined in the preceding sections by October 1, 1994, may be assessed an administrative penalty up to one thousand dollars ($1,000) plus interest, which accrues from the date upon which the administrative penalty becomes final by the director of the department of elderly affairs.
(b)
Whenever the director seeks to assess an administrative penalty on an elderly housing complex, the facility shall have a right to an adjudicatory hearing under chapter 35 of this title.
(c)
The director shall cause to be served upon the housing complex, either by service, in hand, or by certified mail, return receipt requested, a written notice of its intent to assess an administrative penalty which shall include a concise statement of the alleged failure to comply with the requirements of the security regulations for which the administrative penalty is sought to be assessed, the amount which the director seeks to assess, a statement of the housing complex’s right to a hearing on the proposed assessment, and the manner of payment if the housing complex elects to pay the penalty and waive hearing.
(d)
In any adjudicatory hearing authorized pursuant to chapter 35 of this title, the director shall, by a preponderance of the evidence, prove non-compliance with the requirements of the regulations. Should a complex waive its right to an adjudicatory hearing by failing to respond, in writing, to the director within ten (10) days from the receipt of the notice of the penalty, the proposed administrative penalty shall be final at the end of the ten (10) day period.
(e)
If an administrative penalty is assessed at the conclusion of an adjudicatory hearing, the administrative penalty shall be final upon the expiration of thirty (30) days if no action for judicial review of the decision is commenced pursuant to chapter 35 of this title.
(f)
The director is authorized to promulgate rules and regulations necessary to carry out the provisions of this chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 1994, ch. 122, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-66.2 - Pharmaceutical Assistance to the Elderly Act › Section 42-66.2-1. - Short title.

§ 42-66.2-1. Short title.
This chapter shall be known and cited as the “Pharmaceutical Assistance to the Elderly Act”.
History of Section.
P.L. 1985, ch. 343, § 1; P.L. 1987, ch. 429, § 2; P.L. 1987, ch. 519, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-66.2 - Pharmaceutical Assistance to the Elderly Act › Section 42-66.2-2. - Program established.

§ 42-66.2-2. Program established.
There is established a program for pharmaceutical assistance to the elderly. The intent of the program is to be the payer of last resort and is limited to eligible persons and eligible drugs.
History of Section.
P.L. 1985, ch. 343, § 1; P.L. 1987, ch. 429, § 2; P.L. 1987, ch. 519, § 1; P.L. 1989, ch. 527, § 1; P.L. 2011, ch. 151, art. 23, § 4.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-66.2 - Pharmaceutical Assistance to the Elderly Act › Section 42-66.2-4. - Amount of payment.

§ 42-66.2-4. Amount of payment.
(a)
The state shall reimburse the consumer up to the percentage rate of the maximum allowable amount per prescription as set forth in § 42-66.2-5 as of the date of purchase of the drug, in accordance with the income eligibility and co-payment shares set forth in § 42-66.2-5. The rebates generated pursuant to § 42-66.2-10 shall be used to offset the state’s payment.
(b)
Reimbursement payment will be made to consumers no less than quarterly.
(c)
The director is authorized and directed to promulgate rules relating to the process by which consumers submit claims for reimbursement including what documentation must be provided by the consumer.
History of Section.
P.L. 1985, ch. 343, § 1; P.L. 1992, ch. 133, art. 52, § 1; P.L. 2000, ch. 55, art. 30, § 2; P.L. 2000, ch. 143, § 2; P.L. 2000, ch. 195, § 1; P.L. 2000, ch. 253, § 2; P.L. 2002, ch. 65, art. 37, § 1; P.L. 2005, ch. 117, art. 22, § 1; P.L. 2011, ch. 151, art. 23, § 4.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-66.2 - Pharmaceutical Assistance to the Elderly Act › Section 42-66.2-4.1. - Catastrophic illness coverage.

§ 42-66.2-4.1. Catastrophic illness coverage.
The state shall pay one hundred percent (100%) of the prescription drug costs for eligible drugs as defined in § 42-66.2-3(5) for any consumer, as defined in § 42-66.2-3(1), who is eligible to receive pharmaceutical drug coverage benefits under § 42-66.2-5(a)(1)(i) or (a)(2)(i) and who has expended at least one thousand five hundred dollars ($1,500) in total co-payments within a state fiscal year. The initial one thousand five hundred dollars ($1,500) paid by the consumer shall not be reimbursed by the state. The state shall make payments under this section only until the end of the fiscal year.
History of Section.
P.L. 2001, ch. 77, art. 26, § 2; P.L. 2001, ch. 138, § 1; P.L. 2005, ch. 410, § 23.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-66.2 - Pharmaceutical Assistance to the Elderly Act › Section 42-66.2-6. - Responsibilities of office of healthy aging.

§ 42-66.2-6. Responsibilities of office of healthy aging.
(a) Determination of eligibility.
The department shall adopt regulations relating to the determination of eligibility of prospective consumers and the determination and elimination of program abuse. The department has the power to declare ineligible any consumer who abuses or misuses the established prescription plan. The department has the power to investigate cases of suspected provider or consumer fraud.
(b) Program criteria.
The program includes the following criteria:
(1)
Senior citizens participating in the program are required to maintain records of each transaction as specified by the director in accordance with subsection 42-66.2-4(c);
(2)
Prescription benefits for any single prescription may be dispensed in the amounts authorized by the physician, and agreed to by the consumer, up to a maximum of a one hundred (100) day supply or two hundred (200) doses, whichever is less and/or a one hundred (100) day supply or one quart of liquid, whichever is less; provided, however, that disposable insulin syringes are dispersed in a quantity of one hundred (100);
(3)
Experimental drugs are excluded from the program;
(4)
A system of mail order delivery for prescriptions is allowed under this program; and
(5)
Eligible and additional drugs must be dispensed within one year of the original prescription order.
(c)
The director shall provide a mechanism, within the department, to handle all public inquiries concerning the program.
(d)
The director shall establish a process, in accordance with the Administrative Procedures Act, chapter 35 of this title, to provide an appeals hearing on the determination of eligibility.
(e)
The director shall forward to the contractor a list of all eligible consumers.
(f)
Expenditures for multiple sclerosis drugs shall not exceed thirty thousand dollars ($30,000).
(g)
Generic drug substitution is mandatory when there is an available generic drug equivalent.
History of Section.
P.L. 1985, ch. 343, § 1; P.L. 1986, ch. 361, § 1; P.L. 1992, ch. 133, art. 52, § 1; P.L. 2000, ch. 101, § 1; P.L. 2002, ch. 65, art. 37, § 1; P.L. 2004, ch. 595, art. 41, § 1; P.L. 2006, ch. 246, art. 9, § 1; P.L. 2008, ch. 100, art. 8, § 2; P.L. 2011, ch. 151, art. 23, § 4.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-66.2 - Pharmaceutical Assistance to the Elderly Act › Section 42-66.2-7. - Contract.

§ 42-66.2-7. Contract.
(a)
The director is authorized to enter into a contract with the contractor for the effective administrative support of this program.
(b)
A competitive bid and contract award shall occur in accordance with the state Medicaid authority’s competitive bid process and cycle.
History of Section.
P.L. 1985, ch. 343, § 1; P.L. 1987, ch. 519, § 1; P.L. 2008, ch. 100, art. 8, § 2; P.L. 2011, ch. 151, art. 23, § 4.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-66.2 - Pharmaceutical Assistance to the Elderly Act › Section 42-66.2-8. - Penalties.

§ 42-66.2-8. Penalties.
(a) Criminal penalties.
Any person who submits a false or fraudulent claim under this chapter, or who aids or abets another in the submission of a false or fraudulent claim, or who is eligible under a private, state, or federal program for prescription assistance and who claims or receives duplicative benefits hereunder or who otherwise violates any provisions of this chapter is deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and is subject to imprisonment for a term of not more than one year or a fine of not less than five hundred dollars ($500), or both.
(b)
Any provider or consumer found guilty of intentionally violating the provisions of this chapter shall be subject to immediate termination from this program for a period of no less than one year.
(c) Repayment of gain.
Any provider or consumer who is found guilty under this chapter is subject to repay three (3) times the value of the material gain he or she received.
History of Section.
P.L. 1985, ch. 343, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-66.2 - Pharmaceutical Assistance to the Elderly Act › Section 42-66.2-9. - Annual report.

§ 42-66.2-9. Annual report.
(a)
The director shall submit an annual report to the governor, the budget officer, the chairperson of the house finance committee, the chairperson of the senate finance committee, and the chairperson of the board of pharmacy as established by § 5-19.1-4. The report shall contain the number of consumers eligible for the program, the number of consumers utilizing the program, the number of appeals, an outline of problems encountered in the administration of the program and suggested solutions to the problems, and any recommendations to enhance the program.
(b)
The contractor shall submit an annual report to the governor, the budget officer, the chairperson of the house finance committee, the chairperson of the senate finance committee, and the board of pharmacy as established by § 5-19.1-4. The report shall contain financial and utilization statistics as to drug use by therapeutic category, actuarial projections, an outline of problems encountered in the administration of the program, and suggested solutions to the problems and any recommendations to enhance the program.
(c)
[Deleted by P.L. 2008, ch. 100, art. 8, § 2].
History of Section.
P.L. 1985, ch. 343, § 1; P.L. 1989, ch. 527, § 1; P.L. 2004, ch. 6, § 21; P.L. 2008, ch. 100, art. 8, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-66.2.1 - Rhode Island Best Rx Prescription Drug Discount Program for the Uninsured › Section 42-66.2.1-1. - Short title.

§ 42-66.2.1-1. Short title.
This act shall be called the “Rhode Island Best Rx Discount Program for the Uninsured.”
History of Section.
P.L. 2004, ch. 341, § 1; P.L. 2004, ch. 357, § 1; P.L. 2007, ch. 499, § 2; P.L. 2007, ch. 516, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-66.2.1 - Rhode Island Best Rx Prescription Drug Discount Program for the Uninsured › Section 42-66.2.1-2. - Discount drug program.

§ 42-66.2.1-2. Discount drug program.
The departments of human services and elderly affairs shall develop a prescription drug discount program for the uninsured to be implemented on or before March 15, 2005, and the office of healthy aging shall issue a request for proposal to entities for the management of the discount program. Once the bid has been awarded to a contractor, the contract may be modified as necessary and appropriate to achieve the purpose of the program at any time, with the agreement of all parties.
History of Section.
P.L. 2004, ch. 341, § 1; P.L. 2004, ch. 357, § 1; P.L. 2007, ch. 499, § 2; P.L. 2007, ch. 516, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-66.2.1 - Rhode Island Best Rx Prescription Drug Discount Program for the Uninsured › Section 42-66.2.1-3. - Program eligibility.

§ 42-66.2.1-3. Program eligibility.
(a)
Persons who are residents of this state and:
(i)
are over the age of sixty (60) and are ineligible for Medicare Part D; or
(ii)
receive Social Security Disability Insurance benefits; or
(iii)
subject to subsection (b), are uninsured for prescription drugs and have an annual family income at or below three hundred percent (300%) of the federal poverty level, shall be eligible for the prescription drug discount program offered under the provisions of this chapter.
(b)
Persons eligible shall not include an individual who is eligible, or has been eligible for the four (4) months prior to the application for the drug discount program offered under the provisions of this chapter, for outpatient prescription drug coverage under a health benefits program, other than a worker’s compensation program, paid for in whole or in part by an employer, Medicaid, Medicare, or another state or federal health plan or pharmaceutical assistance program that uses state or federal funds to pay part or all of the individual’s prescription drug costs. This provision shall not apply to individuals who become uninsured due to a layoff or sponsored health plan bankruptcy.
(c)
An individual or a household member acting on behalf of an individual may establish eligibility by self-certification of the criteria established in subsections (a) and (b), and prospective enrollees shall be informed of the penalties for making false statements on a government application. The contractor shall facilitate distribution of information needed to make self-certification application and may provide for enrollment using telephone, Internet and such other means as are likely to reach prospective enrollees, including use of volunteers and community based outreach.
History of Section.
P.L. 2004, ch. 341, § 1; P.L. 2004, ch. 357, § 1; P.L. 2007, ch. 499, § 2; P.L. 2007, ch. 516, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-66.2.1 - Rhode Island Best Rx Prescription Drug Discount Program for the Uninsured › Section 42-66.2.1-4.1. - Discount agreements.

§ 42-66.2.1-4.1. Discount agreements.
(a)
The contractor shall be authorized to negotiate and enter into agreements with manufacturers and pharmacies to provide discounts on prescription drugs. In general, the contractor shall seek discounts from pharmacies and manufacturers that are comparable to those available under health plans that provide pharmacy benefits to employees of state and local government entities.
(b)
The departments of human services and elderly affairs, in consultation with the contractor, shall establish maximum prices to be charged an enrollee, and the contractor shall establish and publicize special value prices where it has established a significant discount on a generic drug or where a drug’s manufacturer has agreed to subsidize discounts by making quarterly rebate payments. The contractor shall establish any arrangements for compensating pharmacies where the prices payable by enrollees have been reduced using manufacturer rebates, and for collecting administrative fees paid by enrollees to pharmacies. The contractor shall establish arrangements for facilitating application by Best Rx enrollees to patient assistance programs offered by participating manufacturers.
(c)
Pharmacy dispensing fees shall be uniformly established in advance at an amount that shall not exceed two dollars and fifty cents ($2.50) per prescription, and shall be paid directly to the pharmacy by the program beneficiaries.
History of Section.
P.L. 2007, ch. 499, § 3; P.L. 2007, ch. 516, § 3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-66.2.1 - Rhode Island Best Rx Prescription Drug Discount Program for the Uninsured › Section 42-66.2.1-5. - Reporting requirements.

§ 42-66.2.1-5. Reporting requirements.
The departments of human services and elderly affairs shall regularly publish information on the number of enrollees, and the number of prescriptions filled under the program, and ensure timely availability to the public of the drug prices payable by enrollees and the percentage savings off the usual and customary charge reflected by such prices.
History of Section.
P.L. 2004, ch. 341, § 1; P.L. 2004, ch. 357, § 1; P.L. 2007, ch. 499, § 2; P.L. 2007, ch. 516, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-66.2.1 - Rhode Island Best Rx Prescription Drug Discount Program for the Uninsured › Section 42-66.2.1-6. - Administrative fees.

§ 42-66.2.1-6. Administrative fees.
The departments of human services and elderly affairs shall ensure that administrative fees imposed by means of subsection (a) or (b), are sufficient to cover all expenses related to the management of the discount program, and shall periodically revise any arrangements under this section in order to maximize enrollment and to minimize the price paid by enrollees for prescriptions.
(a)
Per prescription administrative fees paid by the enrollee shall be established as follows: (i) for the first twenty thousand (20,000) prescriptions filled for program beneficiaries, two dollars ($2.00) per prescription; (ii) for the next twenty thousand (20,000) prescriptions filled for program beneficiaries, one dollar and fifty cents ($1.50) per prescription; (iii) for the next twenty thousand (20,000) prescriptions filled for program beneficiaries, one dollar ($1.00) per prescription; (iv) after the initial sixty thousand (60,000) prescriptions are filled, the Rhode Island Best Rx Program Advisory commission, established in § 42-66.2.1-7, shall advise the departments regarding an appropriate per prescription administrative fee, which shall not exceed one dollar ($1.00) per prescription.
(b)
Any authority for the contractor to retain a share of manufacturer rebates to defray administrative expenses shall be subject to a quarterly review and revision based on reconciliation of aggregate rebates received and administrative costs in excess of fees established under subsection (a).
(c)
The departments of human services and elderly affairs shall seek to minimize the diversion of rebates to pay administrative costs, and shall phase out all such use of rebates as soon as feasible, in order to ensure that rebates are passed through to enrollees for whom a drug is prescribed.
(d) Department of human services — Powers.
The department of human services is authorized to promulgate rules and regulations for the administration of this chapter and to further its purposes.
History of Section.
P.L. 2007, ch. 499, § 3; P.L. 2007, ch. 516, § 3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-66.2.1 - Rhode Island Best Rx Prescription Drug Discount Program for the Uninsured › Section 42-66.2.1-7. - Advisory commission.

§ 42-66.2.1-7. Advisory commission.
(a)
There is hereby established the Rhode Island Best Rx Program Advisory Commission. The Commission shall be responsible for the marketing, education and promotion of the Rhode Island Best Rx Discount Program for the Uninsured and shall set administrative fees as required under § 42-66.2.1-6 and otherwise advise the General Assembly on the operation of the Rhode Island Best Rx Discount Program for the Uninsured.
(b)
The advisory commission shall have the following composition: (i) a representative of organized labor appointed by the president of the Rhode Island AFL-CIO; (ii) a representative of the Alliance for Retired Americans appointed by the executive director; (iii) a representative of the American Association of Retired Persons appointed by the executive director; (iv) a representative of retail pharmacists licensed and operating in the state of Rhode Island, as appointed by the Rhode Island Pharmacists Association; (v) three (3) representatives of the research-based pharmaceutical manufacturers; (vi) the speaker of the house or his or her designee; (vii) the president of the senate or his or her designee; (viii) the Director of the Department of Human Services, or his or her designee; and (ix) the Director of the Office of Healthy Aging, or his or her designee.
(c)
The speaker of the house or his or her designee, and the president of the senate or his or her designee, shall co-chair the advisory commission, and the commission shall meet at the call of the chair, but no less frequently than once per year.
(d)
Commission members in subsections (i) through (iv) herein shall be appointed as above and shall serve such terms as may be designated by their respective constituencies and shall receive no compensation for their service.
(e)
The director or designated representative of the department of human services and the office of healthy aging shall be non-voting ex-officio members of the advisory commission.
(f)
A quorum for consideration of business is no fewer than five (5) voting members present. Recommendations and action of the council shall be adopted by a two-thirds (⅔) majority, and no minority action shall be authorized.
History of Section.
P.L. 2007, ch. 499, § 3; P.L. 2007, ch. 516, § 3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-66.3 - Home and Community Care Services to the Elderly › Section 42-66.3-2. - Home and community care services to the elderly — Purpose.

§ 42-66.3-2. Home and community care services to the elderly — Purpose.
There is created a home and community care services to the elderly program which shall provide levels of reimbursement for necessary covered services when the provision of these services will: (1) promote independent living; and (2) allow the client to remain at home. It is the intent of this program to prevent or delay institutionalization. It is not necessary to be eligible for institutionalization to receive services under this program.
History of Section.
P.L. 1988, ch. 451, § 2; P.L. 1995, ch. 118, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-66.3 - Home and Community Care Services to the Elderly › Section 42-66.3-3. - Services available.

§ 42-66.3-3. Services available.
Home and community care services shall consist of:
(1)
Medicaid waiver services for Medicaid eligible clients; or
(2)
For the state funded co-payment program, care coordination, a combination of homemaker/personal care services and other support services deemed necessary by the director.
History of Section.
P.L. 1988, ch. 451, § 2; P.L. 1995, ch. 118, § 2; P.L. 2003, ch. 140, § 1; P.L. 2003, ch. 147, § 1; P.L. 2008, ch. 100, art. 17, § 13.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-66.3 - Home and Community Care Services to the Elderly › Section 42-66.3-4. - Persons eligible.

§ 42-66.3-4. Persons eligible.
(a)
To be eligible for this program the client must be determined, through a functional assessment, to be in need of assistance with activities of daily living or and/or must meet a required level of care as defined in rules and regulations promulgated by the department;
(b)
Medicaid eligible individuals age sixty-five (65) or older of the state who meet the financial guidelines of the Rhode Island medical assistance program, as defined in rules and regulations promulgated by the department, shall be provided the services without charge; or
(c)
Persons eligible for assistance under the provisions of this section, subject to the annual appropriations deemed necessary by the general assembly to carry out the provisions of this chapter, include: (1) Any homebound unmarried resident or homebound married resident of the state living separate and apart, who is ineligible for Medicaid, at least sixty-five (65) years of age or, if under sixty-five (65) years of age, has a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia, confirmed by a licensed physician, and whose income does not exceed two hundred fifty percent (250%) of the federal poverty level; and (2) Any married resident of the state who is ineligible for Medicaid, at least sixty-five (65) years of age, or, if under sixty-five (65) years of age, has a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia confirmed by a licensed physician and whose income when combined with any income of that person’s spouse does not exceed two hundred fifty percent (250%) of the federal poverty level. Persons who meet the eligibility requirement of this subsection shall be eligible for the co-payment portion as set forth in § 42-66.3-5.
History of Section.
P.L. 1988, ch. 451, § 2; P.L. 1993, ch. 138, art. 72, § 1; P.L. 1993, ch. 190, § 1; P.L. 1993; ch. 455, § 1; P.L. 2003, ch. 140, § 1; P.L. 2003, ch. 147, § 1; P.L. 2005, ch. 410, § 24; P.L. 2008, ch. 100, art. 17, § 13; P.L. 2022, ch. 231, art. 12, § 9, effective July 1, 2022.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-66.3 - Home and Community Care Services to the Elderly › Section 42-66.3-5. - Amount of co-payment.

§ 42-66.3-5. Amount of co-payment.
The department of elderly affairs shall establish client co-payments by regulation in accordance with § 42-66.3-7.
History of Section.
P.L. 1988, ch. 451, § 2; P.L. 1997, ch. 30, art. 17, § 1; P.L. 2003, ch. 140, § 1; P.L. 2003, ch. 147, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-66.3 - Home and Community Care Services to the Elderly › Section 42-66.3-6. - Contract.

§ 42-66.3-6. Contract.
The director is authorized and shall enter into a contract with the contractor for the effective administrative support of this program.
History of Section.
P.L. 1988, ch. 451, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-66.3 - Home and Community Care Services to the Elderly › Section 42-66.3-7. - Rules and regulations.

§ 42-66.3-7. Rules and regulations.
The director of the department of elderly affairs shall promulgate rules and regulations to effectuate the provisions of this chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 1988, ch. 451, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-66.4 - Long-Term Health Care — Removal from a Skilled Nursing And/or Intermediate Care Facility › Section 42-66.4-1. - Purpose.

§ 42-66.4-1. Purpose.
(a)
The director of the department of elderly affairs and the director of the department of human services shall cooperate and collaborate in obtaining approval from the health care financing administration for a home and community based services waiver. The waiver shall be designated to bring people who have been admitted to a skilled nursing and/or intermediate care facility back into the community. The waiver shall be reviewed and expanded periodically as funding is made available.
(b)
The department of elderly affairs shall effectuate a coordinated outreach and education program to create an awareness of the alternatives to placement in a skilled nursing and/or intermediate care facility. The outreach and education program shall be directed to both health care providers and potential clients.
History of Section.
P.L. 1988, ch. 451, § 3; P.L. 1992, ch. 370, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-66.4 - Long-Term Health Care — Removal from a Skilled Nursing And/or Intermediate Care Facility › Section 42-66.4-3. - Patient assessment.

§ 42-66.4-3. Patient assessment.
(a)
The services defined and delineated in § 42-66.4-2 shall be provided only to those patients who are medically eligible and who are in a skilled nursing and/or intermediate care facility. Patients recently admitted shall be assessed as soon as possible. Provisions of long-term home health care services paid for by government funds shall be based upon a comprehensive assessment that shall include, but not be limited to, an evaluation of the medical, social and environmental needs of each applicant for these services or programs. The assessment shall also serve as the basis for the development and provision of an appropriate plan of care for the applicant. The assessment shall be completed by persons designated by the director, including, but not limited to, the applicant’s physician and a representative of the department of elderly affairs.
(b)
Continued provision of long-term home health care services paid for by government funds shall be based upon a comprehensive assessment of the medical, social and environmental needs of the recipient of the services. This assessment shall be performed at least every one hundred eighty (180) days by the department of elderly affairs’ case manager.
History of Section.
P.L. 1988, ch. 451, § 3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-66.4 - Long-Term Health Care — Removal from a Skilled Nursing And/or Intermediate Care Facility › Section 42-66.4-4. - Provision of long-term home health care program.

§ 42-66.4-4. Provision of long-term home health care program.
(a)
When a long-term home health care program as defined under this chapter is available, the department of elderly affairs shall notify the eligible person, in writing, of the provisions of this chapter.
(b)
If a person eligible to receive services under the provisions of this title who requires care, treatment, maintenance, nursing or other services in a nursing home desires to remain and is deemed by his or her physician able to remain in his or her own home or the home of a responsible relative or other responsible adult if the necessary services are provided, that person or that person’s representative shall inform the department of elderly affairs. If a long-term home health care program as defined under this chapter is provided, the department of elderly affairs shall authorize an assessment under the provisions of this chapter. If the results of the assessment indicate that the person can receive the appropriate level of care at home, the case manager shall prepare for that person a plan for the provision of services comparable to those that would be rendered in a nursing home. In developing this plan, the department shall consult with those persons performing the assessment. The services shall be provided by certified home health agencies, home health aide/homemaker agencies, and adult day care centers.
(c)
At the time of the initial assessment, and at the time of each subsequent assessment, the case manager shall establish a monthly budget in accordance with which he shall authorize payment for the services provided under the plan. Total monthly expenditures made under this title for each person shall not exceed a maximum of one hundred percent (100%) or any lesser percentage as may be determined by the director, of the average of the monthly rates payable under this title for skilled nursing/intermediate care facility services as provided for in the department of human services principles of reimbursement for skilled nursing/intermediate care facility services eligible requests of the medical assistance program. If an assessment of the person’s needs demonstrates that he or she requires services, the payment for which would exceed the monthly maximum, but it can be reasonably anticipated that total expenditures for required services for that person will not exceed the maximum calculated over a one year period, the department of elderly affairs may authorize payment for those services.
History of Section.
P.L. 1988, ch. 451, § 3.