Section 9-2-1209 - Licensed shelter care program established; implementation(a) The department of health shall administer a licensed shelter care program in accordance with this section. In administering the licensed shelter care program, the department through rule and regulation shall: (i) Determine eligibility requirements to assist the elderly who do not qualify to receive medicaid but who are unable to afford private nursing home care; (ii) Select the least expensive nursing home in the area of the elderly person's residence unless a private source other than the elderly person will pay not less than twenty-five percent (25%) of the difference between what the elderly person is able to contribute and the cost of the institution of the elderly person's choice; (iii) Provide that where individuals can qualify for medicaid through trusts or otherwise, they shall do so rather than use this program. The program may be used as a transitional program while the individual is qualifying for medicaid. (b) When the number of elderly persons applying for licensed shelter care assistance exceeds the funds available for the program, the department of health shall create a waiting list and provide assistance as feasible on a first-come first-served basis.