Section 40-6-1 - Short title - "Public assistance" and "department" defined(a) This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the "Public Assistance Act."(b)Definitions. As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings set forth herein, unless the context in which the terms are used clearly indicates to the contrary: (1) "Department" shall mean the Rhode Island department of human services.(2) "Public assistance" means general public assistance (GPA); supplemental security income (SSI); RI works pursuant to chapter 5.2 of this title; childcare assistance; medical assistance, and supplemental nutritional assistance program (SNAP) pursuant to 7 U.S.C. § 2011 et seq.; which programs are administered and/or financed in whole or in part by the Rhode Island department of human services.P.L. 1987, ch. 118, art. 13, §2; P.L. 1996 , ch. 129, § 11; P.L. 1996 , ch. 131, § 11; P.L. 1996 , ch. 132, § 11; P.L. 1996 , ch. 133, § 11; P.L. 2011 , ch. 156, § 1; P.L. 2011 , ch. 407, § 1.