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HB 7928

AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- ASSISTED LIVING RESIDENCE LICENSING ACT

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Edith Ajello and 9 co-sponsors

HB 7928 establishes state licensing standards and regulatory requirements for Rhode Island assisted living facilities to ensure minimum safety, staffing, and care quality standards for residents.

06/09/2026 Referred to Senate Health and Human Services
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Bill Summary · HB 7928

Legislative bill overview

HB 7928 establishes a comprehensive licensing and regulatory framework for assisted living residences in Rhode Island. The bill aims to set minimum standards for facility operations, staff qualifications, resident care requirements, and oversight mechanisms to ensure quality and safety in assisted living settings.

Why is this important

Assisted living facilities serve a growing population of elderly and disabled Rhode Island residents who need support with daily activities but don't require nursing home-level care. Without clear state licensing standards, quality and safety can vary significantly between facilities, potentially exposing vulnerable residents to inadequate care, neglect, or exploitation. This legislation creates uniform baseline protections and accountability.

Potential points of contention

  • Implementation costs: Facilities may face significant compliance expenses for licensing requirements, staff training, and facility upgrades, which could lead to increased resident fees or reduced service availability
  • Staffing requirements and labor market: Mandated staff-to-resident ratios or qualifications may strain Rhode Island's healthcare workforce and increase operational costs during existing staffing shortages
  • Regulatory scope and flexibility: Overly prescriptive regulations could limit operators' operational flexibility and innovation, while vague standards may fail to ensure adequate protection for residents

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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