260 R.I. Code R. 260-RICR-40-10-1.3

Current through December 3, 2024

Section 260-RICR-40-10-1.3 - Rules and Regulations

A. Board membership shall be in accordance with R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-19-2. The Board shall elect the following officers to two (2) year terms: Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson and Secretary. Elections for Chairperson shall take place in January of the even numbered years, and elections for Vice-chairperson and Secretary shall take place in January of the odd numbered years. Current officeholders may be re-elected.

B. All meetings of the Board shall be held at the Department of Labor & Training or at a location designated by the Chairperson. The schedule of all meetings shall be posted in compliance with the Rhode Island Open Meetings Law. All meetings shall be conducted by the Chairperson (or the Vice-Chairperson in the Chairperson's absence) in accordance with Robert's Rules of Order. The Board Secretary shall make and keep all minutes in compliance with the law.

C. A vote by three (3) members of the Board shall be necessary to conduct any business of the Board, but a vote of a lesser number shall be sufficient to adjourn a meeting to the next meeting.

D. All requests for information shall be addressed to either the Board's Chairperson or the Secretary.

E. All requests for benefits shall be made either in writing or by telephone with the Chairperson or his/her designee. The Board shall thereupon mail to the applicant an application form for benefits which is to be completed by said applicant or legal guardian and returned to the Board. It shall be the responsibility of the applicant or legal guardian to insure all application forms are complete. The Board shall have the right to refuse to consider any application which is not complete.

F. Except for good cause shown, an applicant for death benefits shall furnish the following documents with the application:

1. an original copy of the police officer's death certificate,

2. a letter from the deceased officer's Chief of Police, or his/her designee, stating that the deceased was a sworn member of the police department,

3. a medical statement of the attending physician specifying the cause of death, and

4. certified copies of any applicable birth certificates.

G. An application for tuition benefits for a totally and permanently disabled police officer, or for the children of such police officers, shall be accompanied by the following:

1. a letter from the physician stating that the police officer is totally and permanently disabled, meaning any impairment of mind or body making it impossible for one to follow a gainful occupation,

2. the name of the college or university to be attended by the applicant,

3. the applicant's birth certificate,

4. a statement from the police officer's Chief of Police confirming that said police officer was a sworn member of the police department.

H. It shall be the responsibility of the applicant or legal guardian to furnish the Board with any additional information the Board deems necessary to fully consider any application for benefits.

I. The Board shall be subject to R.I. Gen. Laws Chapter 42-35 et seq. in any matter coming before it. A written statement regarding the Board's decision will be issued within sixty (60) days of the Board's receipt of the complete application form unless circumstances require a longer period of time. All decisions of the Board concerning applications for benefits shall be available for public inspection pursuant to R.I. Gen. Laws Chapter 38-2 et seq.

J. All medical statements provided to the Board shall be governed by R.I. Gen. Laws Chapter 38-2 et seq. The Chairperson or his/her designee shall be responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of medical information provided to the Board. In addition, correspondence mailed to the Board which contains confidential medical information shall be addressed to and opened only by the Chairperson or his/her designee.

K. Annuity payments will be prorated on a per diem basis for partial months paid. No retroactive payment for benefits will exceed six (6) calendar months.

L. It shall be the responsibility of the annuitant to report all lost or stolen checks to the Board in a timely manner. A copy of a police report shall be forwarded to the Board within five (5) days of the report of any lost or stolen check. Lost or stolen checks shall be replaced in accordance with procedures established by the Treasurer of the State of Rhode Island.

260 R.I. Code R. 260-RICR-40-10-1.3