Shown verbatim: the complete text as captured from the official PDF posted by the Rhode Island General Assembly, fetched 2026-07-29. Page and line markers are part of the official record; nothing is edited or removed. The official bill page.
H7759 2026 -- H 7759 ======== LC005139 ======== STATE OF RHODE ISLAND IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2026 ____________ 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: 1 SECTION 1. Section 23-17.5-21 of the General Laws in Chapter 23-17.5 entitled Rights 2 of Nursing Home Patients is hereby amended to read as follows: 3 23-17.5-21. Penalties. Penalties -- Civil violation. 4 (a) Any nursing home which refuses or neglects to post provisions or which violates the 5 requirements of this chapter shall be guilty of a misdemeanor for each violation punishable by a 6 fine of up to five hundred dollars ($500) and/or six (6) months in jail. 7 (b) Any person, including any estate, shall have a cause of action, independent and in 8 addition to any other legal remedy available, against any nursing home in violation of this chapter. 9 This cause of action to recover actual and punitive damages shall be brought in a court of competent 10 jurisdiction, and any plaintiff who prevails in such action shall be entitled to recover reasonable 11 attorneys fees and costs of any action. 12 (c) The department of health may maintain an action in the name of the state to enforce the 13 provisions of this chapter and any rules and regulations promulgated pursuant to this chapter. 14 SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage. ======== LC005139 ======== EXPLANATION BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL OF A N A C T RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- RIGHTS OF NURSING HOME PATIENTS *** 1 This act would provide a specific cause of action for violations of the rights of nursing 2 home patients chapter. 3 This act would take effect upon passage. ======== LC005139 ======== LC005139 - Page 2 of 2
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