The bill amends various sections of the General Laws concerning health professions in Rhode Island, focusing on the structure and governance of boards and committees overseeing fields such as dentistry, nursing, opticianry, acupuncture, and social work. Key changes include the standardization of successor appointment language across multiple healthcare professional boards, ensuring that members continue to serve until a qualified successor is appointed. The bill establishes that a majority of filled seats will constitute a quorum for meetings.
Additionally, the legislation introduces a uniform term limit, prohibiting members from being appointed to more than two consecutive full terms. It clarifies the appointment process, emphasizing the governor's role and the need for public representation. The amendments aim to standardize operational procedures across various healthcare professional boards, ensuring that they are composed of qualified individuals while maintaining accountability and public interest. Overall, the bill seeks to enhance the governance and oversight of health professions in Rhode Island by providing clearer guidelines and promoting consistency.
Statutes affected: 5550: 5-31.1-2, 5-34-40, 5-35.2-8, 5-37-1.1, 5-37.2-1.1, 5-39.1-6, 5-49-15, 5-60-4, 5-64-5, 5-68.1-3, 23-39-5