Bill > H5496

This bill makes several comprehensive changes to the licensing and disciplinary processes of the Rhode Island Board of Nursing. The key modifications include expanding the board's composition from 11 to 12 professional nurses and changing member terms from three to four years, while also granting the board new powers such as requiring licensees to undergo physical or psychiatric examinations if there's probable cause of professional impairment. The bill updates disciplinary procedures by allowing more detailed grounds for license denial or suspension, including failure to provide requested information, failing to maintain current contact details, or being subject to disciplinary sanctions in other jurisdictions. Additionally, the bill introduces a new requirement for Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) to provide public notice and ensure patient record preservation when closing their medical practice or in the event of their death, including specifying how patients can obtain their medical records. The legislation also clarifies and expands the board's investigative and hearing processes, providing more structured guidelines for handling complaints and disciplinary actions, and ensures confidentiality while maintaining transparency in professional conduct matters. The bill aims to enhance patient safety, improve professional accountability, and create more robust regulatory mechanisms for nursing professionals in Rhode Island.

Health and Social Services

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