The proposed bill establishes the "Office of the Elder Advocate" in Rhode Island, aimed at promoting the rights, dignity, and well-being of older adults, who are the fastest-growing demographic in the state. The office will address issues such as age discrimination, financial exploitation, housing, access to benefits, guardianship, and identifying systemic service gaps, particularly for older adults living independently.

The elder advocate, appointed by the governor with the advice and consent of the Senate, will be a qualified attorney with at least five years of legal experience in elder rights and related legal matters. The advocate will serve a term of five years and will have various duties, including receiving and responding to complaints from older adults, advocating for systemic improvements in aging services, monitoring state agencies for elder responsiveness, educating the public on elder rights, convening stakeholders, and referring individual facility complaints to the long-term care ombudsman.

The elder advocate will have the authority to communicate privately with older adults seeking assistance, access and inspect documents from various entities, raise public awareness about the office's services, and apply for and accept grants and funding to support its operations. The bill also ensures confidentiality for records related to individuals seeking assistance and exempts older adults represented by the office from court fees. Additionally, the state will indemnify employees and volunteers of the office against financial loss arising from their duties, except in cases of gross negligence. The act will take effect upon passage.