Rhode Island General Laws Title 16. Education § 16-32-8. Policy as to pharmacy college education and intervention program related to the use and misuse of medication and alcohol by the elderly

(a) The general assembly declares that it views with favor and approves as a matter of public policy the establishment of a college of pharmacy within the University of Rhode Island to assume the educational functions of the Rhode Island College of Pharmacy and Allied Sciences.

(b) The general assembly declares that there is a need for an education and intervention program related to the use of medication and alcohol by the elderly in elderly housing. The general assembly finds: (1) that the elderly population has the highest use of prescription medication, (2) that many elderly persons do not have an appropriate and complete understanding of their medication use and that the elderly need to improve their quality of life, maintain their ambulatory status, and identify specific medication and alcohol-related problems at an early stage.

(c) The University of Rhode Island College of Pharmacy shall initiate an on-site support program for the elderly to foster the appropriate use and to help prevent the misuse of prescription medications and alcohol by the elderly. The program shall focus on both short-term intervention and long- term support. Pharmacists trained in the area of alcohol and drug use and misuse by the elderly shall be placed at a number of selected senior housing units within the state.