The bill amends Section 5-34-31 of the General Laws to clarify exemptions for nursing practices, allowing graduates of approved educational programs in professional nursing or practical nursing to practice nursing under supervision before taking the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX), provided they are licensed within 90 days of graduation. This temporary privilege will not be renewed and will automatically cease upon notification that the graduate nurse has failed the NCLEX. The bill also removes previous language that permitted nursing practice by graduates before receiving NCLEX results.

Additionally, the bill updates Chapter 5-48.2, which governs the licensure and regulation of speech-language pathologists and audiologists. It introduces new definitions and clarifies the scope of practice, including telepractice. The bill establishes qualifications for licensure, including good moral character, completion of supervised clinical experiences, and passing a national examination. Licenses are to be issued for two years with specified renewal processes, including documentation of continuing education units (CEUs) completed during the previous two years.

The bill sets requirements for support personnel, outlines disciplinary procedures for licensees, and creates a Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, detailing its composition, appointments, terms, and authority. The board is authorized to administer, coordinate, and enforce the provisions of this chapter, evaluate qualifications of applicants, and impose penalties for violations. The bill also includes provisions for the issuance and renewal of licenses, as well as the grounds for suspension or revocation of licenses.

Statutes affected:
5614: 5-34-31, 5-48.2-2, 5-95-9, 46-13-18