Rhode Island General Laws Title 42. State Affairs and Government § 42-66.6-5. Community living options

(a) As part of the long-term care assessment and care management program as defined in § 42-66.6-2(1), all persons with a disability who are age sixty-five (65) years of age or younger and who are: (i) seeking admission to or discharge from a licensed long-term care residential facility including nursing facilities and licensed assisted living facilities; and/or (ii) any residents of such facilities whose care is paid for by the state and/or Medicaid, shall be provided with information prepared jointly by the office of healthy aging and the department of human services in collaboration with the Rhode Island independent living centers about the availability of the community living option. The information shall include what home and community-based services and other supportive services are available and eligible for state and/or Medicaid funding as an option for placement in a long-term care institution or residential facility in order to secure services in the least restrictive setting appropriate to their needs.

(b) As used herein: (i) The term “ community living option” shall mean providing opportunities for people with disabilities to choose to live in a less restrictive environment; and (ii) The term “ disability” shall have the same meaning as set forth in § 42-87-1.

(c) Whenever allowable by state and/or Medicaid program requirements, funds that shall be provided for the long-term care services referred to in this section shall follow individuals as their placement and/or setting of care changes.

(d) Persons seeking admission to a long-term care facility from an acute care hospital shall be provided with this information by the hospital's discharge or social service staff. Persons being admitted from or discharged to the community shall be provided this information by the admissions staff on the long-term care facility. Those persons seeking admission to a long-term care facility on an emergency basis or for skilled care shall be exempt from the provisions of this subsection.