180 R.I. Code R. 180-RICR-10-00-3.10

Current through December 3, 2024

Section 180-RICR-10-00-3.10 - General Rules

A. The following rules have been established in accordance with the General Laws of the State of Rhode Island, the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and applicable regulations of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

B. Smoking/Tobacco Usage

1. Per Executive Order 91-40, the Home is a smoke-free environment. Residents can smoke in Designated Areas only. The resident's treatment team will evaluate and determine whether resident is deemed an independent smoker or supervised smoker.

2. All Residents found in violation of posted smoking policy will be subject to the following restrictions as determined by the Treatment Team.

a. A first offense will result in a 14-day restriction in which all smoking paraphernalia will be issued and or cleared by the charge nurse.

b. A second offense will result in a 30-day restriction.

c. A third offense will result in a 60-day restriction.

d. A fourth offense will result a 90-day restriction.

e. All offenses will be reviewed by the Treatment Team to determine if there is a need for continuous supervision as well as if the individual is a danger to self or others which can result in a discharge due to safety issues.

C. Personal Care

1. Residents are required to keep themselves clean at all times unless the physician has determined that the resident requires assistance.

2. Residents shall bathe or shower, frequently, but at least twice a week or more frequently as reviewed by treatment team.

3. Residents shall wear clean clothing.

4. Residents shall be clean-shaven; beards and/or mustaches must be neatly trimmed.

5. Residents may use the Home's free barbering service.

6. Residents wearing pajamas outside of respective nursing unit area are required to wear a robe.

D. Living Environment. Unless otherwise excused for reason of extreme physical disabilities, residents shall maintain their bedside area in a neat and clean condition. In addition, residents shall:

1. Deposit refuse in the appropriate containers provided for such purposes when inside or outside of the building.

2. Keep rooms neat and orderly, to insure health and safety. Inspections will be held if necessary to insure health and safety of the facility.

3. Not store any kind of perishable food in their room.

4. Exercise every precaution against fire and respond to every fire alarm in accordance with instructions from staff.

5. Dress appropriately in accordance with the prevailing weather.

E. Solicitations

1. No resident (or employee) shall bring any article for sale to the Home; nor shall any resident (or employee) engage in the business of selling articles to employees or residents of the Home.

2. No resident shall enter into any contract which in any way obligates the Rhode Island Veterans Home.

3. Residents will not lend or borrow money from each other or from staff.

F. Clothing and Personal Effects

1. Residents with income will be required to purchase their own clothing and other personal effects. For the convenience of residents, these articles are available through the private PX vendor (Gift Shop) located within the Home.

2. Residents without income can be issued clothing, toilet articles, and other essential items which are necessary to health and comfort.

a. For the convenience of residents, a private laundry vendor is provided by the Home.

b. Unit areas provide a washer and dryer with detergent available.

3. Storage for excess luggage and personal property is available in the resident storage rooms located in the commons building.

4. Residents will observe quiet time after 10:00 p.m. and before 6:00 a.m.

5. Residents will be appropriately attired outside of their living quarters, i.e., dining and common areas. Residents wearing pajamas outside of respective nursing unit area will be required to wear a robe.

G. Valuable Personal Property - All Residents

1. Residents are requested to complete an inventory listing upon admission.

2. The facility recommends that residents should have all valuable personal property (television, radio, watch, electric shaver, etc.) marked for permanent identification.

3. Residents are encouraged to utilize the two locked drawers for valuables in each resident room.

H. Music Policy. To ensure the comfort and well-being of all, a resident will be allowed the use of personally-owned radio/music device if operated at a reasonable volume and played with respect to Quiet Time Policy (10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.).

I. Television Policy

1. Each resident room is furnished with a television. Residents may also use a personal television. Residents are expected to comply with the Quiet Time Policy (10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.) by lowering the volume or using headphones.

2. Cable and internet access is available from RI Licensed Providers at the resident's expense.

J. Wheelchairs

1. Personally-Owned Wheelchairs

a. Nursing care residents may purchase a wheelchair, with medical approval and/or an assessment by the occupational therapy department.

b. These wheelchairs will remain the exclusive property of the resident with the following conditions:

(1) Repairs which are required are the responsibilities of the resident or his guardian.

(2) A resident or guardian can arrange for the purchase and delivery a wheelchair through the Business Office.

(3) Residents assessed incapable of safe operation may be reviewed by the Treatment Team.

2. Veterans Administration-Provided Wheelchairs

a. The Providence VA Medical Center may provide wheelchairs based on medical necessity.

b. Residents assessed incapable of safe operation may be reviewed by the treatment team.

K. Automobiles. Any resident with an automobile on the RIVH grounds must have a valid RI driver's license, maintain valid vehicle registration and inspection, and show proof of insurance. Failure to do so will result in removal of the vehicle from the grounds.

L. Telephones. Residents may use cell phones, phones provided by cable service providers, or receive messages from the nursing staff.

M. Field Trips. Residents attending authorized field trips require medical approval.

N. Residents Council

1. Residents Council shall be authorized to promote activities and improvements of the resident services if in compliance with the Residents Right Policy.

2. The Residents Council consists of volunteer residents. The function of the Residents Council is to enhance the services of the Home without interfering with the Administrative authority of the agency.

3. The Resident Council will be governed by by-laws approved by the residents.

O. Family Council. The Family Council meets monthly. The Council is represented by past and current family members and friends. All family members and friends are invited to attend the monthly meetings.

180 R.I. Code R. 180-RICR-10-00-3.10

Adopted effective 1/20/2019