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6/28/2023
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Sen. Lauria’s senior protection bills now law
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 STATE HOUSE – Two bills sponsored by Sen. Pamela Lauria to help protect the safety of older Rhode Islanders have been signed into law.
“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).
One of the new laws strengthens the Commission for the Safety and Care of the Elderly, a group that acts as a liaison between the legislature, public safety officials and the state’s Office of Healthy Aging, and the older population of Rhode Island. The commission serves 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 legislation (2023-S 0720), 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 new law 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 bill cleared the General Assembly June 12 and was signed by Gov. Dan McKee on June 20. Companion legislation (2023-H 5606) was sponsored in the House by Rep. Mary Duffy Messier (D-Dist. 62, Pawtucket).
The other new law, which was requested by the Department of Health, will help address a shortage in nursing facilities inspectors. Previously, state law prohibited 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 new law reduces the waiting period to two years to increase the pool of experienced potential applicants.
The bill (2023-S 0718) passed the General Assembly June 6 and was signed by the governor on June 14. A companion bill (2023-H 5552) was sponsored in the House by Rep. Patricia A. Serpa (D-Dist. 27, West Warwick, Coventry).
For more information, contact:
Meredyth R. Whitty, Publicist
State House Room 20
Providence, RI 02903
(401) 222-1923
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