§ 23-17.24-1. Definitions.
As used in this chapter:
(1) "Manager� means any person who has responsibility for day-to-day administration or
operation of an adult supportive care home. A manager must be a licensed healthcare
professional designated by the licensee and approved by the department.
(2) "Adult supportive care home� means: (i) A publicly or privately operated residence
that provides, directly or indirectly, by means of contracts or arrangements, personal
assistance to meet the resident's changing needs and preferences, lodging, and meals
to two (2), but not more than five (5), adults who are unrelated to the licensee or
manager, excluding, however, any privately operated establishment or facility licensed
pursuant to chapter 17 of this title, and those facilities licensed by or under the
jurisdiction of the department of behavioral healthcare, developmental disabilities
and hospitals, the department of children, youth and families, or any other state
agency; and (ii) Shall be a duly licensed home nursing care provider or nursing facility
licensed pursuant to the provisions of chapter 17 of this title, an assisted living
residence provider licensed pursuant to chapter 17.4 of this title or a licensed adult
day services provider licensed pursuant to chapter 1 of this title.
(3) "Capable of self-preservation� means the physical mobility and judgmental ability
of the individual to take appropriate action in emergency situations. Residents not
capable of self-preservation are limited to facilities that meet more stringent life
safety code requirements as provided under § 23-17.4-6(b)(3).
(4) "Director� means the director of the Rhode Island department of health.
(5) "Personal assistance� means the provision of one or more of the following services,
as required by the resident or as reasonably requested by the resident, on a scheduled
or unscheduled basis, including: (i) Assisting the resident with personal needs including
activities of daily living, defined as bathing, dressing, grooming, eating, toileting,
mobility and transfer; (ii) Assisting the resident with self-administration of medication
or administration of medications by appropriately licensed staff; (iii) Providing
or assisting the resident in arranging for health and supportive services as may be
reasonably required; (iv) Monitoring the activities of the resident while on the premises
of the residence to ensure his or her health, safety, and well-being; and (v) Reasonable
recreational, social and personal services.
(6) "Resident� means an individual not requiring acute medical or skilled nursing care
as provided in a healthcare facility but who, as a result of choice and/or physical
or mental limitation, requires personal assistance, lodging and meals and may require
the administration of medication. A resident must be capable of self-preservation
in emergency situations, unless the facility meets a more stringent life safety code
as required under § 23-17.4-6(b)(3). Persons needing medical or skilled nursing care, including daily professional observation
and evaluation, as provided in a healthcare facility, and/or persons who are bed bound
or in need of the assistance of more than one person for ambulation are not appropriate
to reside in adult supportive care homes. However, an established resident may receive
daily skilled nursing care or therapy from a licensed healthcare provider for a condition
that results from a temporary illness or injury for up to forty-five (45) days subject
to an extension of additional days as approved by the department, or if the resident
is under the care of a licensed hospice agency provided the adult supportive care
home assumes responsibility for ensuring that the care is received. For purposes of
this statute, "resident� shall also mean the resident's agent as designated in writing
or legal guardian.