For the purposes of this chapter:
“Aftercare” means any assistance provided by a designated lay caregiver to an individual under this chapter after the patient’s discharge from a hospital. The assistance may include tasks that are limited to the patient’s condition at the time of discharge that do not require a licensed professional.
“Discharge” means a patient’s exit or release from a hospital to the patient’s residence after any inpatient stay.
“Hospital” means a facility licensed under the provisions of Section 41-9-1 et seq.
“Lay caregiver” means any individual eighteen (18) years of age or older, including next-of-kin, duly designated as a lay caregiver under this chapter who provides aftercare assistance to a patient in the patient’s residence.
“Residence” means a dwelling considered by a patient to be his or her home, not including any hospital, nursing home, rehabilitation facility, assisted living facility or group home licensed by the State Department of Health.