Limits the facility's ability to charge rent and fees for a maximum of seven (7) days or until removal of the personal property from the room, whichever occurs first. A violation would constitute a deceptive trade practice.

Rhode Island Bill Summary: Assisted Living Facility Charges After a Resident Leaves

This bill places limits on how long an assisted living facility in Rhode Island can charge a former resident — or their family — for a room after the resident has moved out, passed away, or otherwise stopped living there. Under the bill, a facility could only continue charging rent and fees for a maximum of seven days after the resident's departure, or until the resident's personal belongings are removed from the room, whichever happens first. Once those conditions are met, the facility must stop billing.

The bill is designed to protect residents of assisted living facilities and their families, who can sometimes face unexpected or ongoing charges for a room even after a loved one has left or died. Moving personal belongings out of a facility — especially in emotional or difficult circumstances — doesn't always happen immediately, and families can find themselves receiving bills for extra days or weeks. This bill sets a clear deadline to prevent that from happening.

If a facility violates this rule by continuing to charge beyond what the bill allows, that would be considered a deceptive trade practice under Rhode Island law. This means the facility could face legal consequences, giving residents and families a meaningful way to push back against improper charges.

The bill has been introduced in the Rhode Island Senate and referred to the Senate Health and Human Services Committee, where it will be reviewed before any further action is taken.