§ 16-32-8 - Policy as to pharmacy college education and intervention program related to the use and misuse of medication and alcohol by the elderly. - Rhode Island Statutes

SECTION 16-32-8

   § 16-32-8  Policy as to pharmacy collegeeducation and intervention program related to the use and misuse of medicationand alcohol by the elderly. – (a) The general assembly declares that it views with favor and approves as amatter of public policy the establishment of a college of pharmacy within theUniversity of Rhode Island to assume the educational functions of the RhodeIsland College of Pharmacy and Allied Sciences.

   (b) The general assembly declares that there is a need for aneducation and intervention program related to the use of medication and alcoholby the elderly in elderly housing. The general assembly finds: (1) that theelderly population has the highest use of prescription medication, (2) thatmany elderly persons do not have an appropriate and complete understanding oftheir medication use and that the elderly need to improve their quality oflife, maintain their ambulatory status, and identify specific medication andalcohol-related problems at an early stage.

   (c) The University of Rhode Island College of Pharmacy shallinitiate an on-site support program for the elderly to foster the appropriateuse and to help prevent the misuse of prescription medications and alcohol bythe elderly. The program shall focus on both short-term intervention andlong-term support. Pharmacists trained in the area of alcohol and drug use andmisuse by the elderly shall be placed at a number of selected senior housingunits within the state.