It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

SECTION 1. Section 23-17.5-4 of the General Laws in Chapter 23-17.5 entitled "Rights of Nursing Home Patients" is hereby amended to read as follows:

23-17.5-4. Rules of nursing homes. -- Each patient or his or her representative shall be provided with a copy of this chapter and shall be fully informed, as evidenced by the patient's or his or her representative's written acknowledgment, prior to or at the time of admission or during stay, of all rules and regulations and policies pertaining to the rights of patients, and governing patient conduct and responsibilities. Notice shall be provided immediately to a patient's legal guardian or a person who holds a power of attorney from such patient or in the event the patient has no legal guardian or agent designated in the power of attorney for health care, then a person designated by the patient to be notified in case of emergencies, if there is an injury to the patient that required the attention of physician.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.