STATE HOUSE – The House of Representatives passed a resolution (2020-H 8106), sponsored by House Majority Leader K. Joseph Shekarchi, creating a special legislative commission to study and provide recommendations on the status and requirements for Rhode Island’s nursing homes. 

“Rhode Island’s nursing homes are facing tremendous challenges.  COVID-19 has placed their residents and workers in potential danger, Medicaid reimbursement has been dramatically reduced, and it is difficult to hire and retain the necessary amount of staffers to deliver the care that patients deserve.  This is a complex issue that needs to be studied and addressed so that the nursing homes, their patients, and their staff are properly supported and fully operational,” said Leader Shekarchi (D-Dist. 23, Warwick).

The 15 member study commission will examine the methods and means for providing paramount quality care; reimbursement methodology; staffing levels; workforce development and, specifically, employee recruitment and retention efforts and results; patient acuity levels for different types of care given; and the financial condition of Rhode Island’s nursing homes.

The commission will consist of three members of the House of Representatives; the President of the Rhode Island Healthcare Association; the SEIU State Council Director; the Director of the Rhode Island Executive Office of Health and Human Services; the Director of the Rhode Island Department of Health; the Director of the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training; the Executive Director for the Rhode Island Partnership for Home Care; the President of the Hospital Association of Rhode Island; the President of Lifespan; a member of the public; an administrator of a not-for-profit nursing home; an administrator of a for-profit nursing home; and a registered nurse who is licensed and employed in a nursing home.

The commission will report its findings and recommendations no later than April 15, 2021.