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SB 2571

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

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Alana DiMario and 9 co-sponsors

Requires biennial unannounced inspections for all assisted living residences and annual unannounced inspections for dementia care units, plus wandering plans and health data sharin

05/29/2026 Referred to House Health & Human Services
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Bill Summary · SB 2571

Summary of SB 2571 (Rhode Island, 2026) — Assisted Living Residence Licensing Act

Purpose and Intent

SB 2571 introduces amendments to Rhode Island’s Assisted Living Residence Licensing Act to strengthen regulatory oversight of assisted living facilities, with a focus on safety, quality of care, and the management of residents who have Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias. The act emphasizes public safety and welfare by ensuring robust inspections and targeted oversight of high-need facilities.

Key Provisions and Changes

  • Regulatory Authority and Standards (Section 23-17.4-10(a))

    • The licensing agency may adopt, amend, promulgate, and enforce rules, regulations, and standards for licensed assisted living residences.
    • Regulations may establish levels of service provided by residences.
    • Purpose: Promote safe and adequate living environments for residents.

  • Inspections and Investigations (Section 23-17.4-10(b))

    • The licensing agency may conduct inspections and investigations as needed, with criteria determined by the agency.
    • Mandatory inspection regime:
    • Biennial Unannounced Inspections of all licensed assisted living residences.
    • Annual Unannounced Inspections of residences with Alzheimer’s/dementia special care units (SCUs), in accordance with § 23-17.4-16.2. These inspections cover the entire facility, not just the SCU.
    • Annual inspection requirement: at least 10% of all assisted-living inspections must occur during nights and/or weekends (to improve oversight during non-traditional hours).

  • Resident Health Information (Section 23-17.4-10(c))

    • Health agencies and professionals may share resident health status information with the Department of Health, upon request, to help determine each resident’s capability of self-preservation.

  • Wandering Hazard Plan (Section 23-17.4-10(d))

    • Each assisted living residence must have a plan to prevent wandering hazards, submitted to the licensing agency in a director-determined format.

Affected Parties

  • Assisted Living Residences: Facilities must comply with enhanced inspection schedules, wandering-prevention planning, and health-information sharing provisions.
  • Residents (including those with Alzheimer’s/dementia): Potentially greater protection and oversight; more comprehensive assessments of safety and health status.
  • Licensing Agency and Department of Health: Expanded regulatory responsibilities, including annual/densified inspections, data sharing, and compliance enforcement.
  • Health Professionals and Agencies: May need to share resident health status information for safety determinations.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Effective Date: Upon passage of the act.
  • Regulatory Development: Agencies may establish new regulations and service-level standards through the standard rulemaking process, following a public hearing.
  • Inspection Timeline: Biennial base inspections for all residences; annual inspections for facilities with Alzheimer's/dementia care units; at least 10% of inspections conducted during nights/weekends.

Note on Status

As of the latest action, the Senate Committee recommended holding the measure for further study (April 28, 2026), indicating further consideration or amendments may follow before potential floor action.

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

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