Rhode Island 2026 Regular Session

Rhode Island House Bill H7759

Introduced
2/12/26  

Caption

Provides a specific cause of action for violations of the rights of nursing home patients chapter.

Impact

This legislation attempts to strengthen protections for nursing home residents by allowing for civil actions against nursing homes that violate patient rights. By establishing a more straightforward legal path for victims to seek redress, the bill increases the liability of nursing homes and potentially enhances the quality of care provided. Moreover, it allows the Department of Health to enforce compliance with its provisions, thus emphasizing the state's role in safeguarding patient rights and health standards within nursing facilities.

Summary

House Bill 7759 aims to enhance the rights of nursing home patients in Rhode Island by specifying a legal course of action for violations of their rights. The bill redefines the framework surrounding the accountability of nursing homes under the existing laws related to patient rights, introducing civil violations for non-compliance. It mandates that nursing homes that fail to post provisions or violate the stipulated requirements could face legal consequences, including fines and potential imprisonment for responsible persons within the institution.

Contention

While the bill has the potential to create significant benefits for nursing home patients by empowering them to legally challenge wrongful practices, it may also lead to concerns regarding the implications for nursing homes’ operational practices. Critics may argue that the increased legal burden and potential penalties could lead to higher operational costs for nursing facilities, potentially affecting the services provided to residents. Supporters contend that these measures are necessary to ensure that nursing homes are held accountable for their actions and that patient rights are prioritized.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI S0797

Updates the Homeless Bill of Rights to add rules governing encampments, including the right to clean and sanitary conditions and impose penalties for violations of the rights set forth in this chapter in the amount of $500 per violation.

RI S0265

Amends the law on nursing home minimum staffing requirements in order that any penalty incurred during calendar years 2022, 2023, and 2024 would be abated.

RI H5223

Provides a remedy for any harm caused due to deprivation or violation of rights secured by the Rhode Island Constitution due to acts of the State of Rhode Island.

RI S0538

Provides a remedy for any harm caused due to deprivation or violation of rights secured by the Rhode Island Constitution due to acts of the State of Rhode Island.

RI H5170

Supports the role of independent family council and makes the waiting list transparent by requiring nursing facilities with more than thirty percent (30%) self-pay residents to admit applicants on a first-come-first-served basis for non-private rooms.

RI S0787

Supports the role of independent family council and makes the waiting list transparent by requiring nursing facilities with more than thirty percent (30%) self-pay residents to admit applicants on a first-come-first-served basis for non-private rooms.

RI S0118

Creates the nursing home workforce standards board act to establish and enforce industry-wide quality of care standards in nursing homes.

RI H5257

Creates the nursing home workforce standards board act to establish and enforce industry-wide quality of care standards in nursing homes.

RI S0277

Provides equal Medicare for infants born-alive as a result of abortion procedure/natural delivery with violations subject to criminal penalties for medical personnel/loss of license/civil action for damages.

RI H5496

Makes several changes to the licensing and disciplinary process of the board of nursing.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.