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5/30/2023
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Sen. Lauria’s senior protection bills clear Senate
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STATE HOUSE – The Senate today approved two bills sponsored by Sen. Pamela Lauria to help protect the safety of older Rhode Islanders.
One of the bills (2023-S 0720) strengthens the Commission for the Safety and Care of the Elderly, a group that acts as a liaison between the legislature, public safety officials, the state’s Office of Healthy Aging, and the older population of Rhode Island to advise and educate on ways to address safety concerns such as crimes against seniors, injury and fire safety, and protective service options available to older Rhode Islanders. The bill, which was requested by the Office of Healthy Aging, changes the composition of the commission so up to nine of its 22 members are representatives of agencies and organizations that work directly with older adults, such as senior housing agencies, medical providers, legal services, community organizations and senior centers.
The bill also directs the commission to outline suggested responsibilities and training for “older adults police safety advocates,” who are designated members of police or fire departments who serve as their department’s liaison to the senior community to help address safety and protection issues.
The other bill (2023-S 0718), which was requested by the Department of Health, would help address a shortage in nursing facilities inspectors. Current law prohibits anyone from working as a nursing facility inspector if they have been professionally affiliated with a nursing facility, as an owner, an employee, a consultant or in any other manner that presents a conflict of interest, within the previous five years. The bill reduces the waiting period to two years to increase the pool of experienced potential applicants.
“The safety of older Rhode Islanders is a critical matter. These bills help ensure the effectiveness of some of the protections our state employs to provide that safety,” said Senator Lauria (D-Dist. 32, Barrington, Bristol, East Providence).
Both bills now go to the House of Representatives, where Rep. Mary Duffy Messier (D-Dist. 62, Pawtucket) is sponsoring a companion (2023-H 5606) to the first bill, and Rep. Patricia A. Serpa (D-Dist. 27, West Warwick, Coventry) is sponsoring the companion (2023-H 5552) to the other.
For more information, contact:
Meredyth R. Whitty, Publicist
State House Room 20
Providence, RI 02903
(401) 222-1923
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