Introduced By: Senators Enos and Coderre
Date Introduced : February 10, 1998
It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:
SECTION 1. Title 23 of the General Laws entitled "Health and Safety" is hereby amended by adding thereto the following chapter:
{ADD 23-17.15-1. Legislative findings. -- ADD} {ADD It is hereby found and declared as follows: ADD}
{ADD (1) Rhode Island has a very high percentage of elderly persons, and the percentage of elderly persons is expected to increase. ADD}
{ADD (2) Rhode Island elderly and disabled persons desire access to the complete range of long term care services. ADD}
{ADD (3) Coordination among existing long term care programs needs continued improvement. ADD}
{ADD (4) Rhode Island needs to adopt goals and values for public policy regarding long term care such as those stated in the "Long Term Care Plan for Rhode Island 1995-2000" as prepared by the long term care coordinating council, pursuant to chapter 40-20. ADD}
{ADD (5) The citizens of Rhode Island deserve a long term care system that: ADD}
{ADD (a) is consumer-driven and includes consumers in long term care policy development; and ADD}
{ADD (b) is seamless, with coordinated funding and administration; and ADD}
{ADD (c) encourages consumer rights, information, choice, quality of care, safety, and qualify of life; and ADD}
{ADD (d)_accommodates the preferences of consumers, most of whom choose to remain independent and in their own homes and the community for as long as possible; and ADD}
{ADD (e) offers a balanced array of services that are cost-effective and meet consumers' needs. ADD}
{ADD 23-17.15-2. Long term care goals and values. -- ADD} {ADD All long term care programs and services provided by any department or agency of the state of Rhode Island shall be designed to promote independence and care in the least restrictive environment, to enhance the quality of life for consumers, and be consistent with and inclusive of the following values that reflect consumers preferences and needs: ADD}
{ADD (1) Consumers are treated with dignity and respect. ADD}
{ADD (2) Consumers actively participate in all decisions concerning their care. ADD}
{ADD (3) Consumers must be able to make informed choices about long term care. ADD}
{ADD (4) Consumers have access to a range of services organized to meet their needs. ADD}
{ADD (5) The long term care financing system is equitable, balancing personal and public responsibility. ADD}
{ADD (6) The long term care system is accountable to the public. ADD}
{ADD (7) The long term care system supports family and other informal caregivers. ADD}
{ADD (8) The long term care system offers appropriate choices of services and providers. ADD}
{ADD (9) The long term care system controls costs for consumers and the public. ADD}
{ADD (10) The long term care system offers quality care in all service settings. ADD}
{ADD (11) The long term care system coordinates with medical, housing, transportation, health and other important services necessary to the consumer. ADD}
SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.
