The bill amends Chapter 5-34 of the General Laws, which governs nursing regulations, by establishing a Board of Nurse Registration and Nursing Education with a new composition of fifteen members, including twelve professional nurses, one practical nurse, and two public members. The term of office for board members is extended from three to four years, and no member shall serve more than two consecutive terms.

Additionally, the bill grants the board the authority to require physical or psychiatric examinations for licensees if there is probable cause to believe that allegations of misconduct are caused by an impairment that directly affects the licensee's ability to practice professionally. It also modernizes the licensing process by allowing electronic communication for license renewals and outlines grounds for disciplinary actions, including the ability to deny renewal applications and implement non-disciplinary alternative programs for licensees with substance use disorders or mental illnesses.

Further amendments include the creation of a hearing committee to review findings and proposed decisions regarding accusations against nurses, with a mandate for the committee to issue decisions within six months. The bill ensures that no board member involved in the investigation can participate in the hearing to maintain impartiality.

It also introduces requirements for Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) to provide public notice about the disposition of patient medical records at least ninety days before closing their practice and mandates notification to the Rhode Island board of nursing regarding the location of the records. These changes aim to enhance regulatory oversight, improve the licensing and disciplinary processes, and ensure proper management of patient records during transitions in nursing practice.

Statutes affected:
5496: 5-34-31.1