Removes the intent requirement relative to the definitions of "abuse" within the chapter on "abuse in healthcare facilities" and amends the definitions of "abuse" and "neglect" with regard to elderly affairs by deleting the element of willful conduct.

Plain-English Summary

This bill would change how "abuse" and "neglect" are legally defined when it comes to healthcare facilities and the care of elderly people in Rhode Island. Currently, the law requires that someone intentionally or willfully mistreat a patient or elderly person for their actions to legally count as abuse or neglect. This bill would remove that requirement, meaning that harmful treatment could be considered abuse or neglect regardless of whether the caregiver meant to cause harm.

In practical terms, this change would make it easier to hold healthcare workers, nursing home staff, and others responsible for mistreating vulnerable patients or elderly individuals — even if they claim the harm was accidental or unintentional. For example, under the current law, proving abuse might require showing that a caregiver *meant* to hurt someone. Under this bill, the focus would shift to whether the harmful action *actually occurred*, not whether there was intent behind it.

This bill would most directly affect patients in healthcare facilities, elderly residents receiving care, and the staff and organizations responsible for their care. Advocates for vulnerable populations may see this as stronger protection, while caregivers and healthcare providers may be concerned about increased liability for unintentional mistakes. The bill is currently in the early stages of the legislative process and has been referred to the House Judiciary Committee for further consideration.