The Rhode Island Health Care Association (RIHCA) has announced Representative Patricia Serpa is the recipient of a 2014 RIHCA Public Service Award. RIHCA, the state’s largest professional affiliation of residential skilled nursing centers, developed the RIHCA Awards Program to recognize caregivers and others who make exemplary contributions to Rhode Island’s skilled nursing and rehabilitation community. Representative Serpa, who represents District 27 in West Warwick, Coventry and Warwick, was praised for her support of initiatives that help protect the patients and residents of the state’s skilled nursing centers. She worked with providers to promote a legislative agenda that enhances quality of life as well as quality of care, at every level. “Our elders could not have a better advocate than Patricia Serpa,” said Virginia Burke, RIHCA CEO/president. “She understands their interests and champions them at every turn.” The RIHCA Public Service Award is one of seven award categories in the RIHCA Awards Program. Representative Serpa was one of 12 winners recognized this year.