AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- RIGHTS OF NURSING HOME PATIENTS (Provides a specific cause of action for violations of the rights of nursing home patients chapter.)

H7759

2026 -- H 7759
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LC005139
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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 -- RIGHTS OF NURSING HOME PATIENTS

Introduced By:
Representatives Kislak, Edwards, Potter, and J. Lombardi

Date Introduced:
February 12, 2026

Referred To:
House Judiciary
It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:
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SECTION 1. Section 23-17.5-21 of the General Laws in Chapter 23-17.5 entitled "Rights
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of Nursing Home Patients" is hereby amended to read as follows:
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23-17.5-21.
Penalties.
Penalties -- Civil violation.
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(a)
Any nursing home which refuses or neglects to post provisions or which violates the
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requirements of this chapter shall be guilty of a misdemeanor for each violation punishable by a
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fine of up to five hundred dollars ($500) and/or six (6) months in jail.
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(b) Any person, including any estate, shall have a cause of action, independent and in
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addition to any other legal remedy available, against any nursing home in violation of this chapter.
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This cause of action to recover actual and punitive damages shall be brought in a court of competent
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jurisdiction, and any plaintiff who prevails in such action shall be entitled to recover reasonable
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attorneys' fees and costs of any action.
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(c) The department of health may maintain an action in the name of the state to enforce the
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provisions of this chapter and any rules and regulations promulgated pursuant to this chapter.
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SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.
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LC005139
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EXPLANATION
BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL
OF
A N A C T
RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- RIGHTS OF NURSING HOME PATIENTS
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This act would provide a specific cause of action for violations of the rights of nursing
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home patients chapter.
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This act would take effect upon passage.
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LC005139
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