This bill amends Section 5-34-31 of the General Laws in Chapter 5-34 entitled "Nurses." The amendment adds a new provision that exempts certain practices and persons from the licensing requirements for nurses. The bill allows for gratuitous nursing by friends or family members, as well as the care of the sick by domestic servants, housekeepers, nursemaids, companions, or household aides, as long as they are primarily employed in a domestic capacity and do not hold themselves out as licensed nurses for hire. The bill also exempts nursing students and graduates from approved educational programs from licensing requirements, as long as they obtain a license within 90 days of receiving their application fee receipt and passing the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). The bill also provides exemptions for nurses from other states who are temporarily caring for patients in Rhode Island, nurses employed by the United States government, and individuals providing nursing care in connection with religious practices. The bill takes effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
2083: 5-34-31