This bill makes several amendments to the General Laws in Rhode Island. It updates the language used in current law to replace terms such as "mentally retarded" with "individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities." It also clarifies the definitions of certain terms related to healthcare facilities and patient care, and requires facilities to have patients examined by a licensed physician or practitioner if they receive a report of harm. The bill also prohibits certain conduct by unlicensed healthcare practitioners and exempts certain organizations from registration fees for motor-driven equipment.

Additionally, the bill updates language regarding the nomination of guardians for children and individuals with disabilities, as well as the establishment of community residences for individuals with disabilities. It repeals a section of the law that created the Governor's Committee on Mental Retardation and makes changes to the appointment and duties of the committee for mental retardation. The bill also amends the current law regarding developmental services for individuals with disabilities, adding new definitions and clarifying references to the director of behavioral healthcare, developmental disabilities and hospitals. Overall, the bill aims to update and clarify the language and definitions used in the current law.

Statutes affected:
282: 23-74-4, 31-6-6, 33-5-4, 34-4-25