(a)  Prior to exchange of any funds and prior to admission, except as provided in subsections (c) and (d) herein, the residence shall execute a residency agreement or contract, signed by both the residence and the resident, that defines the services the residence will provide and the financial agreements between the residence and the resident or the residence’s representative.

Terms Used In Rhode Island General Laws 23-17.4-16.3

  • Contract: A legal written agreement that becomes binding when signed.
  • Resident: means an individual not requiring medical or nursing care as provided in a healthcare facility but who as a result of choice and/or physical or mental limitation requires personal assistance, lodging and meals and may require the administration of medication and/or limited health services. See Rhode Island General Laws 23-17.4-2

(b)  The department shall establish regulations specifying the minimum provisions of residency agreements or contracts and a minimum prior notification time for changes in rates, fees, service charges or any other payments required by the residence.

(c)  Any advanced deposit, application fee, or other pre-admission payment shall be subject to a signed document explaining fully the terms of the payment and the residence’s refund policy.

(d)  In cases of emergency placement, the residency agreement or contract shall be executed within five (5) working days of admissions.

History of Section.
P.L. 2000, ch. 163, § 1; P.L. 2000, ch. 448, § 1; P.L. 2002, ch. 157, § 1; P.L. 2002, ch. 158, § 1; P.L. 2004, ch. 86, § 1; P.L. 2004, ch. 126, § 2.