2026 -- H 7759

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LC005139

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2026

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A N   A C T

RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- RIGHTS OF NURSING HOME PATIENTS

     Introduced By: Representatives Kislak, Edwards, Potter, and J. Lombardi

     Date Introduced: February 12, 2026

     Referred To: House Judiciary

     It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

     SECTION 1. Section 23-17.5-21 of the General Laws in Chapter 23-17.5 entitled "Rights

of Nursing Home Patients" is hereby amended to read as follows:

     23-17.5-21. Penalties. Penalties -- Civil violation.

     (a) Any nursing home which refuses or neglects to post provisions or which violates the

requirements of this chapter shall be guilty of a misdemeanor for each violation punishable by a

fine of up to five hundred dollars ($500) and/or six (6) months in jail.

     (b) Any person, including any estate, shall have a cause of action, independent and in

addition to any other legal remedy available, against any nursing home in violation of this chapter.

This cause of action to recover actual and punitive damages shall be brought in a court of competent

jurisdiction, and any plaintiff who prevails in such action shall be entitled to recover reasonable

attorneys' fees and costs of any action.

     (c) The department of health may maintain an action in the name of the state to enforce the

provisions of this chapter and any rules and regulations promulgated pursuant to this chapter.

     SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.

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LC005139

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EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

A N   A C T

RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- RIGHTS OF NURSING HOME PATIENTS

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     This act would provide a specific cause of action for violations of the rights of nursing

home patients chapter.

     This act would take effect upon passage.

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LC005139

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