Safe patient handling - R.I. Gen. Laws Ann. § 23-17-59

Licensed health care facilities must (1) create a “safe patient handling committee;” (2) develop a “written safe patient handling program;” (3) “implement a safe patient handing policy;” (4) “conduct a patient handing hazard assessment;” (5) “develop a process to identify the appropriate use of the safe patient handling policy based on the patient’s physical and mental condition, the patient’s choice, and the availability of lifting equipment or lift teams; (6) designate an appropriate professional to train staff; and (6) annually evaluate performance and submit the annual evaluation to the safe patient handling committee.

Employees may report patient handling assignments that they believe pose an unacceptable risk of injury to the patient and/or employees. Employers may not discipline employees for making such reports.