§ 40-8-20.2 - Best energy practices for licensed nursing facilities – Energy conservation retention credit. - Rhode Island Statutes

SECTION 40-8-20.2

   § 40-8-20.2  Best energy practices forlicensed nursing facilities – Energy conservation retention credit. –(a) In order to reduce overall energy consumption and to slow the rate of thegrowth in state Medicaid expenditures, the state of Rhode Island shall adopt anenergy conservation retention credit for licensed nursing facilities that meetthe criteria set forth herein. Every licensed nursing facility participating inthe Medicaid medical assistance program that: (1) expends funds for energyconservation measures and the use of renewable fuels, energy sources, andso-called "green" sources of energy that result in a reduction of energyconsumption; and (2) which methods the facility can demonstrate, to thesatisfaction of the department, result in the facility's "pass through" perdiem cost being reduced in the next base year in comparison to the immediatelypreceding base year, shall be permitted to retain the difference in theprevious per diem and the new per diem for a period of up to twenty-four (24)months. Provided, that such retained funds shall be utilized by the nursingfacility solely for either: (1) costs directly associated with employing laborat the facility; or (2) to pay down any debt of said nursing facility incurreddirectly through the purchases of energy saving, conservation and renewableenergy or so-called "green" devices.

   (b) The department of human services shall convene a workinggroup of interested parties, including, but not limited to, public utilities,provider trades associations, labor unions representing nursing home employees,and environmental advocates, to establish best energy practices for thisindustry.