2024 -- S 2621 SUBSTITUTE A

========

LC004891/SUB A

========

     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2024

____________

A N   A C T

RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- NURSING HOME WORKFORCE STANDARDS

BOARD ACT

     Introduced By: Senators Valverde, Euer, DiPalma, Bissaillon, Lawson, Pearson, Miller,
Lauria, Gu, and Murray

     Date Introduced: March 01, 2024

     Referred To: Senate Health & Human Services

     It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

     SECTION 1. Legislative findings. The General Assembly finds and declares that:

     1. The quality of care in nursing homes is integral to the well-being and dignity of residents.

     2. A direct correlation exists between the quality of the workforce and the quality of care

provided in nursing homes.

     3. Empirical data and concrete evidence are vital for setting equitable and effective

standards within nursing homes.

     4. Consistent operational standards are necessary to foster a fair and competitive

environment in the nursing home sector.

     5. Addressing wage disparities in the nursing home sector is crucial for attracting and

retaining qualified staff.

     6. Promoting cooperative dynamics between nursing home operators and employees is

vital for resolving industry-specific challenges and enhancing care quality.

     7. The establishment of an Advisory Nursing Home Workforce Standards Board, overseen

by the department of labor and training, will enhance communication and collaboration across the

sector.

     SECTION 2. Title 23 of the General Laws entitled "HEALTH AND SAFETY" is hereby

amended by adding thereto the following chapter:

CHAPTER 17.29

NURSING HOME WORKFORCE STANDARDS BOARD ACT

     23-17.29-1. Rhode Island nursing home workforce standards advisory board created-

Compensation and oversight.

     (a) There is hereby established the Rhode Island nursing home workforce standards

advisory board, hereinafter referred to as the "board," which shall serve in an advisory capacity to

the Rhode Island general assembly and be overseen by the department of labor and training. The

board shall consist of thirteen (13) members:

     (1) The director of the department of labor and training or their designee, serving as the

chairperson.

     (2) Three (3) members representing nursing home employers: one appointed by the

governor, one by the speaker of the house and one by the president of the senate.

     (3) Three (3) members representing nursing home workers: one appointed by the governor,

one by the speaker of the house, and one by the president of the senate.

     (4) Two (2) members representing community organizations that work with the Medicaid

population: one appointed by the speaker of the house and one by the president of the senate.

      (5) One member representing a joint labor-management multi-employer nonprofit training

fund, appointed by the governor.

     (6) The secretary of the Rhode Island executive office of health and human services or their

designee.

     (7) The director of the Rhode Island department of health or their designee.

     (8) The long-term care state ombudsman or their designee.

     (b) All appointed members shall serve for terms of three (3) years and may be reappointed.

Vacancies shall be filled in the manner of the original appointment but only for the unexpired

portion of the term. Members shall not be compensated for their services.

     23-17.29-2. Powers and duties of the board.

     The board shall have the power and duty to:

     (1) Advise the general assembly and the department of labor and training on market

conditions, wages, benefits, and working conditions in the nursing home industry.

     (2) Recommend minimum statewide compensation and working standards for nursing

home workers.

     (3) Propose minimum standards for nursing home worker training programs.

     (4) Assist in ensuring compliance by employers with the recommended standards.

     23-17.29-3. Access to information.

     To the extent allowable pursuant to state and federal law, the department of health, the

LC004891/SUB A - Page 2 of 3

executive office of health and human services, and/or the department of labor and training, shall

facilitate in the sharing of data requested by the board relating to the operation of nursing homes,

in order for the board to perform its duties.

     SECTION 3. This act shall take effect upon passage and shall sunset on July 1, 2027.

========

LC004891/SUB A

========

LC004891/SUB A - Page 3 of 3

EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

A N   A C T

RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- NURSING HOME WORKFORCE STANDARDS

BOARD ACT

***

     This act would establish the Rhode Island nursing home workforce standards advisory

board for the purpose of advising the general assembly and the department of labor and training on

market conditions, wages, benefits, working conditions in the nursing home industry, minimum

statewide compensation and working standards for nursing home workers.

     This act would take effect upon passage and would sunset on July 1, 2027.

========

LC004891/SUB A

========

LC004891/SUB A - Page 4 of 3