It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

SECTION 1. Chapter 23-17.4 of the General Laws entitled "Residential Care and Assisted Living Facility Licensing Act" is hereby amended by adding thereto the following section:

23-17.4-16.3. Heat relief. -- Any residential care and assisted living facility which does not provide air conditioning in every resident lodging unit shall provide an air conditioned room or rooms in a residential section or sections of the facility to provide relief to residents when the outdoor temperature exceeds eighty (80) degrees Fahrenheit.

SECTION 2. Chapter 23-17.5 of the General Laws entitled "Rights of Nursing Home Patients" is hereby amended by adding thereto the following section:

23-17.5-27. Heat relief. -- Any nursing home facility which does not provide air conditioning in every patient room shall provide an air conditioned room or rooms in a residential section or sections of the facility to provide relief to patients when the outdoor temperature exceeds eighty (80) degrees Fahrenheit.

SECTION 3. This act shall take effect upon passage.