The bill amends the General Laws in Chapter 5-34, "Nurses," and Chapter 5-37, "Board of Medical Licensure and Discipline," to enhance the practice of telemedicine for advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) and physicians in Rhode Island. It introduces a clear definition of telemedicine and establishes standards of care that APRNs and physicians must adhere to when providing medical services remotely, ensuring they are held to the same standards as in-person consultations.

The bill protects APRNs from sanctions by the board of nursing for delivering necessary and clinically appropriate care via telemedicine, including provisions for treating patients outside of Rhode Island under specific conditions. It specifies that when another state or territory seeks to sanction a Rhode Island licensed APRN or physician for providing services via telemedicine to a patient outside of Rhode Island, the respective board shall not impose sanctions if certain conditions are met, such as having an established patient-provider relationship and ensuring the patient has been seen in person within the last 24 months.

Additionally, the bill allows out-of-state licensed healthcare providers to offer telemedicine services to Rhode Island patients, provided they maintain valid professional liability insurance and are in good standing in their jurisdictions. It outlines the conditions under which these providers can practice without a Rhode Island license, including having an established patient-provider relationship and ensuring an in-person visit within the last 24 months, or under specific circumstances related to referrals and new patient evaluations.

The legislation aims to improve access to healthcare through telemedicine while ensuring compliance with established standards and regulations. It also establishes that providers delivering telemedicine services to patients located in Rhode Island are subject to the jurisdiction of the state and its courts. The act would take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
701: 5-34-3, 5-37-1, 5-54-2