The proposed bill, titled "The Rhode Island Clinician Wellness and Support Act," aims to enhance the well-being of healthcare professionals, including physicians, physician assistants, dentists, podiatrists, and nurse practitioners. It establishes a new chapter in the General Laws, which includes the creation of a Nurse Practitioner Health Program (NPHP) to provide confidential support for nurse practitioners facing burnout, mental health challenges, or substance use disorders. The bill also recognizes the existing Physician Health Program (PHP) as a designated entity for similar support for other clinicians. Both programs are designed to operate without reliance on state funding and will collaborate with relevant professional associations and stakeholders to ensure access to wellness resources.

Additionally, the bill introduces significant reforms to licensing and reporting practices for mental health disclosures. 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 emphasizes that seeking mental health or substance abuse treatment will not automatically lead to disciplinary action. Furthermore, it establishes confidentiality protections for clinicians seeking assistance, ensuring that communications with the PHP and NPHP are privileged and that clinicians who comply with treatment recommendations are protected from mandatory reporting to licensing boards. The act will take effect upon passage.