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SB 2875

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

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Pam Lauria and 3 co-sponsors

Establishes resident and family councils in Rhode Island assisted living residences to advise on operations, with 120-day rate-change notices and required council responses.

04/28/2026 Committee recommended measure be held for further study
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Bill Summary · SB 2875

Summary of SB 2875 (Rhode Island, 2026)

Purpose and Intent

  • This act amends the Assisted Living Residence Licensing Act to establish and support resident and family councils in assisted living residences.
  • It aims to increase transparency around rates and fees and to set a minimum notice period for rate increases.
  • The act is designed to promote resident and family engagement, collaborative problem-solving, and open communication between residents, families, and facility administration.

Key Provisions

Definitions (Definitions section amended)

  • Clarifies terms used in the chapter, including:
    • Activities of daily living (ADLs)
    • Administrator
    • Alzheimer’s dementia special care unit or program
    • Assisted living residence and the scope of services
    • Capable of self-preservation
    • Director (RI Department of Health)
    • Resident councils and family councils
    • Qualified licensed assisted living staff members
    • Personal assistance and limited health services
    • Residency agreement/contract terminology
    • Residence-related terms and the supervisory framework for limited health services

Residency Agreement Requirements (23-17.4-16.3)

  • Before admission and payment exchanges, the residence must execute a residency agreement or contract detailing:
    • Services to be provided
    • Financial terms between the resident or representative and the residence
  • Department regulations must specify minimum provisions for residency agreements and minimum notice for changes in rates, fees, or service charges.
  • Any advanced deposits or pre-admission payments must come with a signed document explaining terms and refunds.
  • In emergency placement, the residency agreement must be executed within five (5) working days of admission.

Establishment and Roles of Councils (New sections added)

  • 23-17.4-15.10: Requirement to establish resident and family councils (established by January 1, 2027).
  • 23-17.4-15.11. Resident councils
    • Purpose: Advisory and collaborative role on matters affecting residents; not for individual grievances.
    • Facilities must support and accommodate councils (space access, postings, etc.).
    • Councils must post meeting notices; staff/visitors may attend by invitation.
    • Facilities must respond in writing or meet within 30 business days to written submissions, with rationale provided.
  • 23-17.4-15.12. Family councils
    • Similar structure to resident councils with advisory/collaborative role.
    • Family councils cannot resolve individual resident grievances and cannot access confidential information about residents or staff.
    • Procedures for participation, space, posting notices, and required 30-business-day response with rationale apply similarly.
    • Family councils may include family members unless a resident objects.

Effective Date

  • The act takes effect upon passage.

Administrative and Oversight Context

  • Referred to the Senate Health & Human Services committee; status as of latest action: committee recommended the measure be held for further study (April 28, 2026).
  • Sponsor list includes Senators Mack, Lauria, Valverde, Ujifusa, with Valverde, Lauria, Mack, and Ujifusa as co-sponsors.

Potential Impact

  • For Residents and Families

    • Greater ability to organize input through formal resident and family councils.
    • More transparent communication channels with facility administration.
    • Access to information about rates and fees, and clearer notice before changes (minimum notice period of 120 days referenced in legislative explanation).
    • Structured timelines for addressing council submissions (response within 30 business days).

  • For Assisted Living Facilities

    • Administrative obligations to support councils (space, access, posting requirements).
    • Requirement to incorporate resident/family feedback into governance and operations.
    • Need to ensure compliance with residency agreement disclosures and rate-change notices.

  • For the Rhode Island Department of Health

    • May require development or enforcement of regulations governing residency agreements, council operations, and rate-notice procedures.

Notable Details

  • The bill emphasizes minimum rate-change notice of 120 days, as noted in the explanatory text.
  • Councils are designed to function in an advisory capacity and cannot handle individual grievances or disclose confidential information.
  • The act targets assisted living residences providing personal assistance and limited health services to six or more residents not related to the licensee or administrator.

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

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