§ 42-66.3-1. Definitions. As used in this chapter:

(1) "Adult day services program" is an agency licensed through the department of health that provides a comprehensive supervised program on a regular basis to physically and/or mentally handicapped adults for a substantial part of a day in a single physical location for a specified number of participants daily. Adult day services may include, medical supervision, social and educational activities, snacks and/or hot lunch.

(2) "Case management agency" means a community-based agency designated by the office of healthy aging to provide care coordination for home and community care clients.

(3) "Director" means the director of the office of healthy aging.

(4) "Home and community care services" means arranging for, or providing directly to the client, or providing through contract services - such as home health aid/homemaker services and such other services that may be required for a client to remain in the community and as may be promulgated by department regulations.

(5) "Home care agency" means an agency licensed by the department of health as a "home nursing provider" and/or "home care provider" under the provisions of chapter 17 of title 23.

(6) "Long-term care ombudsperson" means the person or persons designated by the director of the office of healthy aging for the purpose of advocating on behalf of recipients of long-term care services and of receiving, investigating and resolving through mediation, negotiation and administrative action complaints filed by recipients of long-term care services; individuals acting on their behalf or any individual organization or government agency that has reason to believe that a long-term care agency has engaged in activities, practices or omissions that constitute a violation of applicable statutes or regulations or that may have an adverse effect upon the health, safety, welfare, rights or the quality of life of recipients of long-term care services.

(7) "Home health aide services" means simple health care tasks, personal hygiene services, housekeeping tasks essential to the patient's health, and other related supportive services. These services shall be in accordance with a plan of treatment for the patient and shall be under the supervision of the appropriate health care professional. These services shall be provided by a person who meets the standards established by the department of health.

(8) "Homebound" means the condition of the client is such that the client does not have the normal ability to leave home, consequently leaving the home requires a considerable and taxing effort by the client. A client does not have to be confined to bed to be homebound.

(9) "Homemaker services" means assistance and instruction in managing and maintaining a household and incidental household tasks for persons at home because of illness, incapacity, or the absence of a caretaker relative. These services shall be provided by a person who meets the standards established by the department of health.

(10) "Assisted living residences" means a publicly or privately operated residence that is licensed pursuant to § 23-17-4 of the general laws as amended.

(11) "Respite care services" means temporary care given inside or outside the home of a client who cannot entirely care for themselves and thereby offers relief to caregivers.

(12) "Shared living" program means a privately owned residence in which the family provides for or arranges for the needs of the client so that the client can remain in the community, a program that is designed to respect the unique character of each individual, promotes self-reliance and the freedom to make choices, and fosters dignity, autonomy and personal safety. Services may be provided in-home or a host home residence in which the family provides for or arranges for the needs of the client so that the client can remain in the community including but not limited to lodging and meals. This program is designed to provide the opportunity for the provision of an inter-generational multidisciplinary supports to preserve and strengthen families.

History of Section. (P.L. 1988, ch. 451, § 2; P.L. 1995, ch. 118, § 2; P.L. 2003, ch. 140, § 1; P.L. 2003, ch. 147, § 1; P.L. 2008, ch. 100, art. 17, § 13.)