§ 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 health care 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 23-17, an assisted living residence provider licensed pursuant to chapter 23-17.4 or a licensed adult day services provider licensed pursuant to chapter 23-1.

(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 subdivision 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 health care 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 subdivision 23-17.4-6(b)(3). Persons needing medical or skilled nursing care, including daily professional observation and evaluation, as provided in a health care 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 health care 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.

History of Section. (P.L. 2009, ch. 189, § 1; P.L. 2009, ch. 290, § 1.)