The bill amends Section 5-34-3 of the General Laws in Chapter 5-34, titled "Nurses," by introducing a new definition for "telemedicine" and establishing guidelines for its use by advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs). It creates a new section, 5-34-51, which mandates that APRNs using telemedicine must adhere to the same standard of care as in-person services. The bill also ensures that the Board of Nursing cannot sanction an APRN solely for providing telemedicine services, as long as those services are deemed necessary and appropriate. Additionally, it outlines conditions under which APRNs can offer telemedicine services to patients outside of Rhode Island without facing sanctions, while protecting them from the requirement to obtain licensure in other states if they meet specific criteria.

The bill further establishes similar guidelines for physicians and physician assistants, defining telemedicine and requiring adherence to the same standard of care as in-person consultations. It protects these professionals from sanctions for providing necessary and appropriate telemedicine services and specifies conditions for out-of-state licensed practitioners to offer services to Rhode Island patients without needing a Rhode Island license. The legislation emphasizes the importance of an established patient-provider relationship and sets conditions for telemedicine consultations, including a requirement for in-person visits within the last 24 months. The Rhode Island Board of Medical Licensure and Discipline will retain jurisdiction over evaluating the conduct of professionals providing telemedicine services within the state, ensuring regulatory oversight while facilitating the provision of these services. The act will take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
2111: 5-34-3, 5-37-1, 5-54-2