Introduced By: Representative Heffner
Date Introduced : June 1, 1999
RESOLVED, That a special house commission be and the same is hereby created consisting of thirteen (13) members: three (3) of whom shall be from the House of Representatives, not more than two (2) from the same political party to be appointed by the Speaker; two (2) of whom shall be the executive directors, or their designee, of the association representing for profit and not for profit nursing facilities; one (1) of whom shall be the Director of the Department of Health, health facilities regulation or designee; two (2) of whom shall be administrators of nursing facilities, or designees one (1) of whom shall be the President of the A.F.L. - C.I.O or his designee; two (2) of whom shall be members of the general public each of whom shall be either nursing home residents, the family or representatives of nursing home residents or others active in nursing home issues; one (1) of whom shall be the Director of the Department of Elderly Affairs, or designee; and one (1) of whom shall be the Director of the Alliance for Better Nursing Home Care, or designee.
In lieu of any appointment of a member of the legislature to a permanent advisory commission, a legislative study commission, or any commission created by a general assembly resolution, the appointing authority may appoint a member of the general public to serve in lieu of a legislator, provided that the majority leader or the minority leader of the political party which is entitled to the appointment consents to the appointment of the member of the general public.
The purpose of said commission shall be to review regulations relating to Rhode Island nursing homes for the purpose of determining whether such laws and regulations serve the following purposes: enhancing resident care; creating effective communication between a resident's family and/or representatives and the nursing facility; enhancing the financial viability of nursing facilities; and effectively using state resources.
Forthwith upon passage of this resolution, the members of the commission shall meet at the call of the speaker of the house and organize and shall select a chairperson. Vacancies in said commission shall be filled in like manner as the original appointment.
The membership of said commission shall receive no compensation for their services.
All departments and agencies of the state shall furnish such advice and information, documentary and otherwise, to said commission and its agents as is deemed necessary or desirable by the commission to facilitate the purposes of this resolution.
The speaker of the house is hereby authorized and directed to provide suitable quarters for said commission: and be it further
RESOLVED, That the commission shall report its findings and recommendations to the House of Representatives on or before February 1, 2000 and said commission shall expire on April 1, 2000.
