2012 -- H 7816

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LC01917

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STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2012

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A N A C T

RELATING TO HUMAN SERVICES - BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CARE,

DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES AND HOSPITALS - COMMUNITY RESIDENCES

     

     

     Introduced By: Representative Scott Slater

     Date Introduced: February 28, 2012

     Referred To: House Finance

It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

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     SECTION 1. Chapter 40.1-24.5 of the General Laws entitled "Community Residences" is

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hereby amended by adding thereto the following section:

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     40.1-24.5-20. Private providers direct care pay equity. – Commencing on July 1, 2014,

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notwithstanding any provision of the general or public laws, or rule or regulation to the contrary,

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private providers operating community residences for developmentally disabled clients must pay

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their direct care employees wages equal to seventy-five percent (75%) of the first step hourly

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wages paid to Rhode Island community living and supports community living aides. In addition,

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health care benefits shall be equal to seventy-five percent (75%) of the value of those received by

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living aides.

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     The department of behavioral health care, developmental disabilities and hospitals shall

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conduct an annual survey to report the annual hourly wage, educational requirements, and in-

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service training provided to private providers’ direct care staff. This report shall be a public

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record and shall be provided to the members of the house and senate finance committees by July

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1, 2014, and annually thereafter.

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     SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.

     

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LC01917

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EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

A N A C T

RELATING TO HUMAN SERVICES - BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CARE,

DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES AND HOSPITALS - COMMUNITY RESIDENCES

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     This act would set a minimum wage and benefits scale for employees of private providers

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operating community residences, commencing July 1, 2014.

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     This act would take effect upon passage.

     

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LC01917

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H7816