New RI Nursing Home Rules Allow For 'Essential Caregivers'

PROVIDENCE, RI — As Rhode Island contends with the second wave of the coronavirus pandemic, visitation in nursing homes has again been restricted to help protect the state's most vulnerable population, as well as the staff. Last week, Gov. Gina Raimondo announced a new path forward for families to provide support to nursing home residents.

The Rhode Island Department of Health approved a new system of "essential caregivers" — family members who can provide physical support to and advocate for residents. These individuals can sign up with individual facilities. All caregivers will be required to undergo a special training program and follow the same coronavirus testing schedule as residents and staff.

The program is not mandatory, and each facility has the discretion to decide if it will allow for essential caregivers.