2026 -- S 2571

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LC004794

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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 -- ASSISTED LIVING RESIDENCE LICENSING

ACT

     Introduced By: Senators Lauria, Ujifusa, Felag, Valverde, Murray, DiMario, Mack, Urso,
Kallman, and Thompson

     Date Introduced: February 13, 2026

     Referred To: Senate Health & Human Services

     It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

     SECTION 1. Section 23-17.4-10 of the General Laws in Chapter 23-17.4 entitled "Assisted

Living Residence Licensing Act" is hereby amended to read as follows:

     23-17.4-10. Regulations, inspections, and investigations.

     (a) The licensing agency shall after public hearing pursuant to reasonable notice, adopt,

amend, promulgate, and enforce any rules, regulations, and standards with respect to assisted-living

residences for adults licensed under this chapter as may be designed to further the accomplishment

of the purposes of this chapter in promoting safe and adequate living environments for individuals

in assisted-living residences in the interest of public safety and welfare. These regulations may

provide for the establishment of levels of service provided by the residence.

     (b) The licensing agency shall make or cause to be made any inspections and investigations

that it deems necessary by duly authorized agents of the director at any time and frequency

determined by the licensing agency. The licensing agency shall establish regulations to determine

the frequency of inspections that shall include, but not be limited to, the residence’s past compliance

with regulations, complaint investigations, quality of care issues and license type. However, the

licensing agency shall:

     (1) On, on a biennial basis, conduct an unannounced, on-site inspection of all licensed

assisted-living residences; and

     (2) On an annual basis, conduct an unannounced, on-site inspection of those assisted living

residences that provide services to residents with Alzheimer's disease or other dementias by means

of an Alzheimer's special care unit, in accordance with § 23-17.4-16.2 which inspection shall

include the entire assisted living residence and not be limited to the Alzheimer's special care unit.

     The licensing agency shall, on an annual basis, cause no less than ten percent (10%) of all

assisted-living inspections to be conducted, in whole or in part, on nights and/or weekends.

     (c) Upon request of the licensing agency, health agencies and professionals may share

resident health status information with the department of health for the purpose of determining each

resident’s capability of self preservation.

     (d) Each assisted-living residence licensed under this chapter shall have a plan for

preventing the hazards of residents wandering from the facility. This plan shall be submitted to the

licensing agency in a format determined by the director.

     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 -- ASSISTED LIVING RESIDENCE LICENSING

ACT

***

     This act would require annual inspections of those assisted living residences which contain

units licensed to treat residents with Alzheimer's disease and other dementias.

     This act would take effect upon passage.

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LC004794

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