§ 40.1-24-2. Purpose. (a) The purpose of this chapter is to provide for the development, establishment, and enforcement of standards:

(1) For facilities and programs providing rehabilitation, psychological support, and social guidance to individuals who are alcoholic, drug abusers, mentally ill or who are persons with developmental disabilities or cognitive disabilities such as brain injury;

(2) For the construction, maintenance, and operation of facilities which will promote safe and adequate accommodations for individuals who are alcoholic, drug abusers, mentally ill or who are persons with developmental disabilities or cognitive disabilities such as brain injury; and

(3) For the establishment of a comprehensive licensing policy with respect to facilities and programs for people who are alcoholic, drug abusers, mentally ill or who are persons with developmental disabilities or cognitive disabilities such as brain injury.

(b) The department of behavioral healthcare, developmental disabilities and hospitals is hereby authorized and directed to be the licensing authority in Rhode Island for residential and other support programs designed specifically for persons with cognitive disabilities such as brain injury. These licensure requirements shall be the same standards for persons with developmental disabilities except that for these purposes all references to "developmental disabilities" shall mean "cognitive disabilities."

History of Section. (P.L. 1972, ch. 160, § 1; P.L. 1978, ch. 150, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 23-43.3-2; P.L. 1979, ch. 39, § 1; P.L. 1995, ch. 370, art. 14, § 16; P.L. 1999, ch. 83, § 112; P.L. 1999, ch. 130, § 112; P.L. 2001, ch. 385, § 2; P.L. 2001, ch. 389, § 1; P.L. 2005, ch. 351, § 3; P.L. 2005, ch. 394, § 3.)