Rhode Island § 23-59-6 - Continuing Care Provider Registration and Disclosure

§ 23-59-6. Resident’s contract.

(a) In addition to other provisions considered proper to effect the purpose of any continuing care contract, each contract executed on or after June 18, 1987 shall:

(1) Provide for the continuing care of only one resident, or for two (2) or more persons occupying space designed for multiple occupancy, under appropriate rules established by the provider.

(2) Show the value of all property transferred, including donations, subscriptions, fees, and any other amounts paid or payable by, or on behalf of, the resident or residents.

(3) Specify all services which are to be provided by the provider to each resident including, in detail, all items that each resident will receive and whether the items will be provided for a designated time period or for life and the estimated current monthly cost to the provider for providing the care. Such items may include, but are not limited to, food, shelter, nursing care, drugs, burial, and incidentals.

(4) Describe the physical and mental health and financial conditions, if any, upon which the provider may require the resident to relinquish his or her space in the designated facility.

(5) Describe the physical and mental health and financial conditions required for a person to continue as a resident.

(6) Describe the circumstances under which the resident will be permitted to remain in the facility in the event of financial difficulties of the resident.

(7) State:

(i) The current fees that would be charged if the resident marries while at the designated facility;

(ii) The terms concerning the entry of a spouse to the facility; and

(iii) The consequences if the spouse does not meet the requirements for entry.

(8) Provide that the provider shall not cancel any continuing care contract with any resident without good cause. Good cause shall be limited to:

(i) Proof that the resident is a danger to himself, herself, or others;

(ii) Nonpayment by the resident of a monthly or periodic fee;

(iii) Repeated conduct by the resident that interferes with other residents’ quiet enjoyment of the facility; or

(iv) Persistent refusal to comply with reasonable written rules and regulations of the facility. If a provider seeks to cancel a contract and terminate a resident’s occupancy, the provider shall give the resident written notice of, and a reasonable opportunity to cure within a reasonable period, whatever conduct is alleged to warrant the cancellation of the agreement. Nothing herein shall operate to relieve the provider from duties under chapter 18 of title 34 when seeking to terminate a resident’s occupancy.

(9) Provide in clear and understandable language, in print no smaller than the largest type used in the body of the contract, the terms governing the refund of any portion of the entrance fee and the terms under which entrance fees can be used by the provider.

(10) State the terms under which a contract is cancelled by the death of the resident. The contract may contain a provision to the effect that, upon the death of the resident, the money paid for the continuing care of the deceased resident shall be considered earned and become the property of the provider. When more than one individual shares a residential unit, the contract shall set forth the effect that the death of one resident will have on the agreement between the other resident or residents and the provider.

(11) Provide for at least thirty (30) days’ advance notice to the resident, before any change in fees, charges, or the scope of care or services may be effective, except for changes required by state or federal assistance programs.

(12) Provide that charges for care paid in one lump sum shall not be increased or changed during the duration of the agreed upon care, except for changes required by state or federal assistance programs.

(b) A resident shall have the right to rescind a continuing care contract, without penalty or forfeiture, within seven (7) days after making an initial deposit or executing the contract. A resident shall not be required to move into the facility designated in the contract before the expiration of that seven (7) day period.

(c) If a resident dies before occupying the facility, or is precluded through illness, injury, or incapacity from becoming a resident under the terms of the continuing care contract, the contract is automatically rescinded, and the resident or his or her legal representative shall receive a full refund of all money paid to the provider, except those costs specifically incurred by the provider at the request of the resident and set forth in writing in a separate addendum, signed by both parties to the contract.

(d) No standard continuing care contract form shall be used in this state until it has been submitted to the department. If the department determines that the contract does not comply with the provisions of this chapter, it shall have the right to take action pursuant to § 23-59-16 to prevent its use. The failure of the department to object to or disapprove of any contract shall not be evidence that the contract does or does not comply with the provisions of this chapter. However, individualized amendments to any standard form need not be filed with the department.