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R.I. Gen. Laws § 23-17.16-5 - Rights of home care patients/clients

Rhode IslandstatuteRhode Island Department of Health

What this rule requires your agency to do

  • 1The provider must inform the patient/client, in writing, of the right to appeal a determination or decision made by the home nursing-care or home-care provider. (R.I. Gen. Laws § 23-17.16-5)(R.I. Gen. Laws § 23-17.16-5)
  • 2The provider must advise the patient/client, before care is initiated, of the cost of services and the extent to which payment may be expected from insurance, government, and other sources. (R.I. Gen. Laws § 23-17.16-5)(R.I. Gen. Laws § 23-17.16-5)
  • 3The provider must treat the patient/client's personal and clinical records confidentially. (R.I. Gen. Laws § 23-17.16-5)(R.I. Gen. Laws § 23-17.16-5)
  • 4The provider must inform the patient/client, in advance, about the care to be furnished (and not furnished), the plan of care, and any changes to it. (R.I. Gen. Laws § 23-17.16-5)(R.I. Gen. Laws § 23-17.16-5)
  • 5The provider must advise the patient/client, in writing, of the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of the state ombudsperson, the attorney general's Medicaid fraud control unit, and the state licensing agency. (R.I. Gen. Laws § 23-17.16-5)(R.I. Gen. Laws § 23-17.16-5)
  • 6The provider must allow patients/clients to voice grievances regarding care without being subjected to discrimination or reprisal, and must investigate and document complaints. (R.I. Gen. Laws § 23-17.16-5)(R.I. Gen. Laws § 23-17.16-5)
  • 7The provider must furnish services and care without regard to race, creed, color, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, or source of payment. (R.I. Gen. Laws § 23-17.16-5)(R.I. Gen. Laws § 23-17.16-5)
  • 8The provider must ensure patients/clients are free from mental or physical abuse, physical punishment, neglect, damage to or theft of property, or exploitation of any kind. (R.I. Gen. Laws § 23-17.16-5)(R.I. Gen. Laws § 23-17.16-5)

Applies to: home care, home nursing care, personal care

Rhode Island statute enumerating the rights of home care and home nursing care patients/clients, which home care providers must honor. Rights include non-discriminatory, safe, dignified care; freedom from abuse, neglect, and exploitation; advance disclosure of the plan of care and costs; confidentiality of records; grievance and appeal rights; and written notice of regulatory/ombudsperson contacts.

Regulatory information, not legal advice — always confirm against the cited official source. Verification reduces error; it does not certify compliance.