The bill amends Section 23-1.7-6 of the General Laws in Chapter 23-1.7, which pertains to the Rhode Island Program to Address Alzheimer's Disease. It establishes a requirement for specific healthcare facilities, including nursing facilities, hospitals serving adult populations (with certain exemptions), home care providers, organized ambulatory care settings, hospice care providers, and rehabilitation centers, to develop and implement an operational plan for recognizing and managing patients with Alzheimer's disease and related disorders by December 31, 2027.

The bill outlines the protocols that must be included in these operational plans, which are: (1) identifying the signs and symptoms of cognitive impairment, including diseases and conditions that cause dementia; (2) the management and treatment of residents or patients with neurocognitive disorders; (3) environmental considerations designed to optimize physical space and promote patient safety; (4) transfers, referrals, and discharge planning to appropriate care settings; (5) training of clinical and non-clinical staff; and (6) advance care planning and resources for family members and caregivers.

Additionally, the bill mandates that the operational plans be reviewed annually by the healthcare facilities to ensure appropriate updates are made and that the plans be maintained by the healthcare facilities and made available to the licensing agency upon request. The previous deadline of October 1, 2023, has been extended to December 31, 2027, and the language regarding the director of the department of health's consultation with the advisory council has been removed. The act is set to take effect on January 1, 2027.

Statutes affected:
8568: 23-1.7-6