Rhode Island General Laws 42-66-8.1. Abuse of elderly persons – Telephone line
The director shall provide, for the use of the general public, a statewide toll free, twenty-four (24) hour a day, seven (7) days a week telephone line, to report abuse, neglect, exploitation and self-neglect of the elderly.
History of Section.
P.L. 1988, ch. 303, § 1; P.L. 2007, ch. 84, § 1; P.L. 2007, ch. 209, § 1.
Terms Used In Rhode Island General Laws 42-66-8.1
- Abuse: means physical abuse, sexual abuse, and/or emotional abuse of an elderly person by a caregiver as defined in subsection (5). See Rhode Island General Laws 42-66-4.1
- Exploitation: means the fraudulent or otherwise illegal, unauthorized or improper act or process of an individual, including, but not limited to, a caregiver or fiduciary, that uses the resources of an elder for monetary or personal benefit, profit, gain, or that results in depriving an elder of rightful access to, or use of, benefits, resources, belongings, or assets by use of undue influence, harassment, duress, deception, false representation or false pretenses. See Rhode Island General Laws 42-66-4.1
- Neglect: means the willful failure by a caregiver or other person with a duty of care to provide goods or services necessary to avoid physical harm, mental harm or mental illness to an elderly person, including, but not limited to, "abandonment" (withdrawal of necessary assistance) and denial of food or health related services. See Rhode Island General Laws 42-66-4.1
- Self-neglect: means a pattern of behavior in an elderly person that directly, imminently and significantly threatens his/her own health and/or, safety. See Rhode Island General Laws 42-66-4.1