2021 -- H 5547

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LC001639

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2021

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A N   A C T

RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY - PATIENT VISITATION RIGHTS

     Introduced By: Representatives Nardone, Chippendale, and Hull

     Date Introduced: February 12, 2021

     Referred To: House Health & Human Services

     It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

     SECTION 1. Chapter 23-17 of the General Laws entitled "Licensing of Health-Care

Facilities" is hereby amended by adding thereto the following section:

     23-17-19.4. Patient's right to access to a designated support person.

     (a) Notwithstanding any law, ordinance, rule, regulation or executive order to the contrary,

all health care facility patients, residential care and living facility residents, as defined in § 23-17.4-

2, community group home residents, as defined in § 40.1-24.5-1 and veterans' homes residents

governed by chapter 24 of title 30, shall have a fundamental right to have bedside companionship

and personal health care advocacy during their convalescence and residence. They are entitled to

receive the guidance of a designated support person to assist them with their treatment,

interpretation of medical plans or procedures, or any other medical issues, as well as to provide

them with needed companionship and help.

     (b) For purposes of this section, a "designated support person" means an individual selected

by the patient to furnish them with physical and emotional assistance during their presence in health

care and assisted living facilities, nursing, group or veterans' homes.

     (c) The designated support person shall have regular and sustained physical access to the

patient that chose them, subject to reasonably promulgated rules and regulations, which may limit

the nature and extent of their access, in light of public safety concerns, but shall not totally exclude

their presence.

     SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.

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EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

A N   A C T

RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY - PATIENT VISITATION RIGHTS

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     This act would entitle all residents of health care and assisted living facilities, nursing

homes, group homes and veterans' homes, to designate a person to provide them with

companionship, personal health care guidance and advocacy.

     This act would take effect upon passage.

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