Rhode Island General Laws Title 42. State Affairs and Government § 42-66-8. Abuse, neglect, exploitation, and self-neglect of elderly persons--Duty to report

(a) Any person who has reasonable cause to believe that any person sixty (60) years of age or older has been abused, neglected, or exploited, or is self-neglecting, shall make an immediate report to the director of the office of healthy aging, or the director's designee. The office of healthy aging may then notify law enforcement if appropriate. This section applies to any person sixty (60) years of age or older regardless of where the person lives in the community.

(b) Any physician, physician assistant, medical intern, registered nurse, licensed practical nurse, nurse's aide, orderly, certified nursing assistant, medical examiner, dentist, optometrist, optician, chiropractor, podiatrist, coroner, police officer, probation officer, emergency medical technician, firefighter, speech pathologist, audiologist, social worker, pharmacist, physical or occupational therapist, or health officer, who has reasonable cause to believe that any person sixty (60) years of age or older has been abused, neglected, or exploited, or is self-neglecting, shall make an immediate report to the director of the office of healthy aging, or the director's designee. The office of healthy aging may then notify law enforcement if appropriate. This section applies to any person sixty (60) years of age or older regardless of where the person lives in the community. Reporting requirements relating to individuals in healthcare facilities are further set forth in § 23-17.8-2. The report pursuant to this section shall contain:

(c) Individuals required to report pursuant to the provisions of subsection (b) of this section shall, whenever practical and if known, provide twenty-four hour (24) notice of discharge to the office of healthy aging and shall include the address and telephone number of the individual being discharged.

(d) In cases of abuse, neglect, or exploitation, any person who fails to make the report shall be punished by a fine of not more than one thousand dollars ($1,000). Nothing in this section shall require an elderly person who is a victim of abuse, neglect, exploitation or who is self-neglecting, to make a report regarding such abuse, neglect, exploitation, or self-neglect to the director of the office of healthy aging, or the director's designee. The office of healthy aging may then notify law enforcement if appropriate.

(e) No person required to report pursuant to the provisions of this section shall be liable in any civil or criminal action by reason of the report; provided, however, that such person did not perpetrate, inflict, or cause the abuse. No employer or supervisor may discharge, demote, transfer, reduce pay, benefits, or work privileges; prepare a negative work performance evaluation; or take any other action detrimental to an employee or supervisee who files a report in accordance with the provisions of this section by reason of such report.