The Rhode Island Clinician Wellness and Support Act aims to protect and promote the well-being of healthcare professionals, including physicians, physician assistants, dentists, and podiatrists, by establishing a framework for support and intervention. The act recognizes the Rhode Island Physician Health Program (PHP) as a designated entity to provide confidential, non-disciplinary assistance to clinicians experiencing burnout, mental health challenges, or substance use disorders. It emphasizes the importance of early intervention and peer support, while ensuring that the PHP collaborates with various healthcare organizations to promote wellness resources without reliance on state funding.

The act introduces significant reforms to the licensing process for healthcare professionals. It mandates that licensing boards revise their applications to eliminate broad inquiries about past mental health diagnoses and focus instead on current impairments affecting safe practice. The act also establishes confidentiality protections for clinicians seeking help, ensuring that communications with the PHP remain privileged under Rhode Island law. Clinicians who voluntarily seek assistance through the PHP are protected from automatic reporting to their respective licensing boards, provided they comply with treatment recommendations and do not pose a risk to patient safety. Additionally, the act creates a safe haven for clinicians who self-refer to the PHP, protecting them from mandatory reporting to licensing boards, and stipulates that licensing boards shall not penalize clinicians solely for seeking assistance unless there is an imminent risk to patient safety. Overall, the act seeks to create a supportive environment for clinicians to address their health concerns without fear of professional repercussions.