Section 5-37.6-1. – Short title.

§ 5-37.6-1. Short title. This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the “Pain Assessment Act.” History of Section.P.L. 2002, ch. 331, § 1.

Section 5-37.6-2. – Findings.

§ 5-37.6-2. Findings. The general assembly finds and declares that: (1) Pain affects quality of life, job performance, and security; (2) Nearly thirty percent (30%) of nursing home residents with daily pain were receiving no pain medication of any form; (3) Pain untreated or under-treated adversely impacts the quality of life for patients; (4) Up […]

Section 5-37.6-3. – Definitions.

§ 5-37.6-3. Definitions. As used in this chapter, the following terms have the following meanings: (1) “Assessment of pain” means the act of assessing an unpleasant sensation occurring in varying degrees of severity as a consequence of injury, disease, or emotional disorder. (2) “Director” means the director of the department of health. (3) “Healthcare facilities” […]

Section 5-37.6-4. – Pain assessment.

§ 5-37.6-4. Pain assessment. (a) Healthcare facilities and healthcare providers shall conduct an assessment of pain experienced by a patient on a regular basis. (b) The assessment of pain shall be noted in the patient’s chart in a manner consistent with vital signs. History of Section.P.L. 2002, ch. 331, § 1.

Section 5-37.6-5. – Regulations.

§ 5-37.6-5. Regulations. (a) Promulgation by department. The director of the department shall promulgate regulations relating to the assessment of pain requirements of this chapter. (b) Educational materials. The director shall make available educational and informational materials concerning the assessment of pain to healthcare facilities and healthcare providers. History of Section.P.L. 2002, ch. 331, § […]

Section 5-37.6-6. – Enforcement.

§ 5-37.6-6. Enforcement. The director of the department of health shall have the power to enforce the provisions of this chapter. History of Section.P.L. 2002, ch. 331, § 1.

Section 5-37.6-7. – Penalty.

§ 5-37.6-7. Penalty. (a) Every person who shall willfully and continually violate the provisions of this chapter is subject to a fine up to one hundred dollars ($100) for a first violation and any other remedy provided for in the Rhode Island law. (b) Every person who shall continuously violate this chapter is subject to […]

Section 5-37.6-8. – Severability.

§ 5-37.6-8. Severability. If any provision of this chapter or any rule or regulation made under this chapter or the application of any provision of this chapter to any person or circumstance shall be held invalid by any court of competent jurisdiction, the remainder of the chapter, rule, or regulation and the application of the […]