§ 42-66.8-3. Definitions. As used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise requires:

(1) An "assisted living facility" means a publicly or privately operated residential development (including a designated wing or section of that development) certified and financed by the Rhode Island housing and mortgage finance corporation that provides lodging, meals and assisted living supportive services to two (2) or more adults and which is licensed by the state pursuant to chapter 17.4 of title 23; excluding, however, those facilities licensed by or under the jurisdiction of the department of behavioral healthcare, developmental disabilities and hospitals, the department of children, youth and families, or any other state agency.

(2) "Assisted living rules and regulations and guidelines" means the rules and regulations of the Rhode Island housing and mortgage finance corporation applicable to the rental housing production and rehabilitation program, as those rules and regulations may be amended from time to time, and the resources and guidelines for assisted living developments adopted by the board of commissioners of the Rhode Island housing and mortgage finance corporation, as those guidelines may be amended from time to time.

(3) "Assisted living supportive services" means: Personal care and services, homemaker, chore, attendant care, companion services, medication oversight (to the extent permitted under state law), therapeutic social and recreational programming, provided in a home-like environment in a licensed assisted living facility, in conjunction with residing in the facility. This service includes twenty-four (24) hour on-site response staff to meet scheduled or unpredictable needs in a way that promotes maximum dignity and independence, and to provide supervision, safety and security. Other individuals or agencies may also furnish care directly, or under arrangement with the assisted living facility, but the care provided by these other entities supplements that provided by the assisted living facility and does not supplant it.

"Assisted living services" will also include transportation specified in the plan of care.

However, nursing and skilled therapy services (except periodic nursing evaluations if specified above) are incidental, rather than integral to the provision of assisted living supportive services. Payment will not be made for twenty-four (24) hour skilled care or supervision.

(4) An "assisted living unit" means an apartment, condominium, bed or other dwelling quarters in an assisted living facility as defined by this chapter.

(5) "Certified" means the assisted living facility has been determined by Rhode Island housing to comply with its rules, regulations and guidelines for assisted living.

(6) "Government funds" means funds provided under the provisions of chapter 8 of title 40.

(7) "Long-term care assessment" means a program, approved by the directors of human services and elderly affairs, that provides a uniform health, social and functional assessment of persons in need of long-term care services due to chronic impairment or disability.

(8) "Rhode Island housing" means that public corporation authorized and created by § 42-55-4.

History of Section. (P.L. 1997, ch. 198, § 1.)