Requires a nursing and assisted living facility to allow its residents to connect their electronic monitoring devices to its internet service without incurring any extra cost or charges.

Summary of Rhode Island Bill: Electronic Monitoring in Care Facilities

This bill would require nursing homes and assisted living facilities in Rhode Island to let residents connect their personal electronic monitoring devices — such as cameras or other recording equipment — to the facility's internet (Wi-Fi) network at no extra cost. In other words, if a resident or their family has set up a monitoring device in the resident's room, the facility cannot charge the resident a fee to use the building's internet connection for that device.

This bill primarily affects Rhode Island residents living in nursing homes and assisted living facilities, as well as their families who may use electronic monitors to check on their loved ones' well-being and care. It also affects the facilities themselves, which would be required to provide this internet access as part of their standard services rather than as a paid add-on. The goal appears to be making it easier and more affordable for residents and families to use monitoring technology without financial barriers.

Currently, the bill has been introduced in the Rhode Island House of Representatives and referred to the House Health & Human Services Committee. The committee has recommended the bill be held for further study, meaning it has not yet moved forward in the legislative process. A hearing has been scheduled for March 19, 2026, where lawmakers will likely discuss the bill further before deciding whether to advance it.