reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 5 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 5-36.1 - License of Naturopathy Act of 2017 › Section 5-36.1-16. - Refusal or revocation of a license — Process.

§ 5-36.1-16. Refusal or revocation of a license — Process.
(a)
The division of professional regulation of the department of health may, after notice and hearing, in its discretion, refuse to grant the license provided for in this chapter to any doctor of naturopathy who has violated any of the laws of the state affecting the ability of any doctor of naturopathy to practice naturopathy, or who had been guilty of unprofessional conduct or conduct of a character likely to deceive or defraud the public, and may, after notice and hearing, revoke or suspend any license issued or granted by it for like causes or for any fraud or deception committed in obtaining the license.
(b)
The division of professional regulation of the department of health may refuse to accept the return of a license tendered by the subject of a disciplinary investigation and may notify relevant state, federal, and local agencies and appropriate bodies in other states of the status of any pending or completed disciplinary case against the licensee, provided that notice against the licensee has been served or disciplinary action against that person has been taken.
(c)
The division of professional regulation of the department of health shall serve a copy of its decision or ruling upon any person whose certificate has been revoked or refused.
(d)
The burden of proof in a disciplinary action shall be on the state to show by a preponderance of the evidence that the person has engaged in unprofessional conduct.
History of Section.
P.L. 2017, ch. 230, § 1; P.L. 2017, ch. 329, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 5 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 5-36.1 - License of Naturopathy Act of 2017 › Section 5-36.1-17. - Complaints.

§ 5-36.1-17. Complaints.
(a)
Any person may report to the division of professional regulation in writing any information the person has reason to believe indicates that a doctor of naturopathy is, or may be, medically or legally incompetent; engaged in the unauthorized practice of naturopathy; guilty of unprofessional conduct; or mentally or physically unable to engage safely in the practice of naturopathy.
(b)
Upon receiving a credible complaint or report concerning a licensee, or on its own motion, the division of professional regulation may investigate any evidence that appears to show a licensee may be medically incompetent; guilty of unprofessional conduct; or mentally or physically unable to engage safely in the practice of naturopathy.
(c)
Within ten (10) days of receipt thereof, the division of professional regulation shall acknowledge receipt of all reports required by this section and any complaint against a licensee. Within ten (10) days thereafter, the division shall inform any person or entity whose report has resulted in action by the division of the final disposition of the matter.
(d)
Any person aggrieved by the decision or ruling of the department of health, or of the division of professional regulation, in regard to any of the provisions of this chapter, may appeal to the superior court in the manner provided for in chapter 35 of title 42.
History of Section.
P.L. 2017, ch. 230, § 1; P.L. 2017, ch. 329, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 5 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 5-36.1 - License of Naturopathy Act of 2017 › Section 5-36.1-18. - Informed consent and disclosure.

§ 5-36.1-18. Informed consent and disclosure.
Prior to initiating treatment by a doctor of naturopathy each patient must read and sign a disclosure statement containing the following information:
(1)
Rhode Island does not recognize doctors of naturopathy as primary-care providers and a doctor of naturopathy is not responsible for the overall medical care of any patient.
(2)
Naturopathic care is intended only as an adjunct to, and not a substitute for, medical care from a physician, physician assistant (PA), or advanced practice registered nurse (APRN), and doctors of naturopathy shall coordinate patient care with physicians and other healthcare providers.
(3)
Patients are urged to have a primary-care provider and to have all specialty care provided by a properly credentialed physician specialist.
(4)
Doctors of naturopathy are not licensed to prescribe drugs or to advise patients regarding prescription drugs beyond possible dietary supplement/herb — prescription drug interactions. All questions regarding prescription medications should be directed to the prescriber or to the patient’s primary-care provider or licensed registered pharmacist.
History of Section.
P.L. 2017, ch. 230, § 1; P.L. 2017, ch. 329, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 5 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 5-36.1 - License of Naturopathy Act of 2017 › Section 5-36.1-19. - Severability.

§ 5-36.1-19. Severability.
The provisions of this chapter are severable and if any of the provisions of this chapter are held unconstitutional by any court of competent jurisdiction, the decision of that court does not affect or impair any of the remaining provisions.
History of Section.
P.L. 2017, ch. 230, § 1; P.L. 2017, ch. 329, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 5 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 5-37 - Board of Medical Licensure and Discipline › Section 5-37-1.2. - Examining committees.

§ 5-37-1.2. Examining committees.
(a)
The chairperson shall appoint two (2) physician members of the board who possess the degree of doctor of medicine or osteopathic medicine and one public member of the board to serve as an examining committee for applicants applying for licensure as allopathic or osteopathic physicians. The examining committee for allopathic or osteopathic physicians shall recommend to the full board, who shall recommend to the director, applicants for licensure to practice allopathic or osteopathic medicine who meet all requirements for licensure pursuant to this chapter and other applicable sections of the general laws of the state.
(b)
The members of the examining committee shall serve for a term of one year and may be reappointed.
History of Section.
P.L. 1986, ch. 301, § 6; P.L. 2003, ch. 65, § 1; P.L. 2003, ch. 76, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 5 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 5-37 - Board of Medical Licensure and Discipline › Section 5-37-1.4. - Director — Powers and duties.

§ 5-37-1.4. Director — Powers and duties.
The director has the following duties and powers:
(1)
With the prior approval of the governor, the director shall appoint a chief administrative officer who shall administer and supervise the investigatory and other activities of the board. The chief administrative officer shall be selected from a list of not less than three (3) names compiled and submitted to the governor by a search committee. The search committee shall consist of four (4) individuals: the director or his designee; one public member appointed by the board; one appointed by the governor; and one physician member appointed by the board. To be included on the list of potential appointees, an individual must have unanimous approval of the members of the search committee. The chief administrative officer shall report to the director of the department of health and the board who establishes the further duties of the chief administrative officer;
(2)
With the prior approval of the governor, to appoint legal counsel and any assistant legal counsel that may be required;
(3)
In consultation with the board, to make contracts and arrangements for the performance of administrative and similar services required, or appropriate, or necessary to effectuate the provisions of this chapter;
(4)
In consultation with the board, to hire professional and clerical staff necessary to carry out the functions of the board;
(5)
To issue, pursuant to any rules and regulations promulgated by the board and approved by the director, all licenses and registrations required by this chapter to qualified applicants;
(6)
To deny, revoke, or suspend licenses and registrations or discipline licensees in accordance with the provisions of this chapter; and
(7)
To exercise all other powers specifically conferred upon him or her by this chapter or other applicable sections of the general laws of the state.
History of Section.
P.L. 1986, ch. 301, § 6.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 5 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 5-37 - Board of Medical Licensure and Discipline › Section 5-37-1.5. - Immunity.

§ 5-37-1.5. Immunity.
(a)
The director of the department of health, chief administrative officer, board members, and their agents and employees are immune from suit in any action, civil or criminal, based on any disciplinary proceeding or other official act performed in good faith in the course of their duties under this chapter. There is no civil liability on the part of, or cause of action of any nature against, the board, director, their agents or their employees, or against any organization or its members, peer-review board or its members, or other witnesses and parties to board proceedings for any statements made in good faith by them in any reports, communications, or testimony concerning an investigation by the board of the conduct or competence of a licensed physician or limited registrant.
(b)
No licensed healthcare provider, physician, or limited registrant may discharge, threaten, or discriminate against an employee, staff member, or any other person for making a report to, giving testimony to, or providing any other communication to the board, a peer-review organization, or any appropriate supervisory personnel concerning the unprofessional conduct or incompetence or negligence of a physician or limited registrant; provided, that the report, testimony, or other communication was made in good faith.
History of Section.
P.L. 1986, ch. 301, § 6; P.L. 1986, ch. 350, § 11.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 5 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 5-37 - Board of Medical Licensure and Discipline › Section 5-37-2.1. - Recertification — Continuing medical education.

§ 5-37-2.1. Recertification — Continuing medical education.
Effective beginning in calendar year 2004, every physician licensed to practice medicine within this state shall, in connection with biannual registration, on or before the first day of June in each even-numbered year, provide satisfactory evidence to the board of medical licensure and discipline that in the preceding two (2) years the practitioner has completed a prescribed course of continuing medical education established by the appropriate medical or osteopathic society and approved by rule or regulation of the director or by the board of medical licensure and discipline. The board may extend for only one six-month (6) period these educational requirements if the board is satisfied that the applicant has suffered hardship that prevented meeting the educational requirement. No recertification to practice medicine in this state shall be refused, nor shall any certificate be suspended or revoked except: (1) As provided for in this chapter, and (2) For failure to provide satisfactory evidence of continuing medical education as provided for in this section.
History of Section.
P.L. 1976, ch. 244, § 2; P.L. 1980, ch. 373, § 1; P.L. 1986, ch. 301, § 5; P.L. 1998, ch. 65, § 1; P.L. 2003, ch. 249, § 1; P.L. 2003, ch. 339, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 5 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 5-37 - Board of Medical Licensure and Discipline › Section 5-37-3. - Itinerants disqualified.

§ 5-37-3. Itinerants disqualified.
Nothing in this chapter or chapter 30 of this title shall be construed to authorize any itinerant doctor to register or to practice medicine in any part of this state.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 165, § 4; G.L. 1909, ch. 193, § 4; G.L. 1923, ch. 159, § 4; G.L. 1938, ch. 275, § 4; G.L. 1956, § 5-37-3; P.L. 1986, ch. 301, § 5.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 5 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 5-37 - Board of Medical Licensure and Discipline › Section 5-37-4. - Refusal of licensure.

§ 5-37-4. Refusal of licensure.
(a)
The director at the direction of the board shall, after notice and hearing, in accordance with the procedures established in §§ 5-37-5.2 — 5-37-6.2, refuse to grant the original license provided for in this chapter to any physician and/or applicant:
(1)
Who is not of good moral character;
(2)
Who does not meet the requirements for licensure prescribed in this chapter, regulations established by the board, and/or regulations promulgated by the director;
(3)
Who has violated any laws affecting the ability of any physician and/or applicant to practice medicine; or
(4)
Who has been found guilty in another state of conduct that, if committed in Rhode Island, would constitute unprofessional conduct as defined in § 5-37-5.1 and regulations adopted under that section.
(b)
The director shall serve a copy of his or her decision or ruling upon any person whose original certificate has been refused.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 165, § 5; P.L. 1901, ch. 926, § 2; G.L. 1909, ch. 193, § 5; G.L. 1923, ch. 159, § 5; P.L. 1927, ch. 1029, § 2; G.L. 1938, ch. 275, § 5; G.L. 1956, § 5-37-4; P.L. 1962, ch. 85, § 1; P.L. 1976, ch. 244, § 2; P.L. 1986, ch. 301, § 5; P.L. 2021, ch. 400, § 9, effective July 13, 2021; P.L. 2021, ch. 401, § 9, effective July 13, 2021.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 5 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 5-37 - Board of Medical Licensure and Discipline › Section 5-37-5. - [Repealed.]

§ 5-37-5. [Repealed.]
History of Section.
P.L. 1906, ch. 1365, § 5; P.L. 1909, ch. 178, § 17; G.L. 1923, ch. 167, § 14; G.L. 1938, ch. 276, § 14; impl. am. P.L. 1939, ch. 660, § 180; G.L. 1956, § 5-37-5; Repealed by P.L. 1976, ch. 244, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 5 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 5-37 - Board of Medical Licensure and Discipline › Section 5-37-5.3. - Specification of charges.

§ 5-37-5.3. Specification of charges.
When the investigating committee determines that action is required or the accused requests a hearing on allegations of unprofessional conduct, a specification of charges of unprofessional conduct against the licensee or limited registration holder shall be prepared by the investigating committee and a copy shall be served upon the accused, together with notice of the hearing, as provided in § 5-37-5.4. A hearing shall then be scheduled before the hearing committee of the board.
History of Section.
P.L. 1986, ch. 301, § 6; P.L. 1998, ch. 318, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 5 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 5-37 - Board of Medical Licensure and Discipline › Section 5-37-5.4. - Time and notice of hearing.

§ 5-37-5.4. Time and notice of hearing.
The time of the hearing shall be fixed by the hearing committee of the board as soon as is practicable. The hearing committee of the board shall issue a notice of a hearing of the charges, which shall specify the time and place of the hearing and shall notify the accused that he or she may file with the hearing committee of the board a written response within twenty (20) days of the date of service. The notice shall also notify the accused that a stenographic record of the proceedings will be kept; that he or she shall have the opportunity to appear personally and to have counsel present, with the right to produce witnesses and evidence in his or her own behalf; to cross-examine witnesses; to examine any documentary evidence that may be produced against him or her; and to have subpoenas issued by the hearing committee of the board.
History of Section.
P.L. 1986, ch. 301, § 6.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 5 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 5-37 - Board of Medical Licensure and Discipline › Section 5-37-6. - Subpoenas — Contempt.

§ 5-37-6. Subpoenas — Contempt.
Subpoenas may be issued by the board or the board’s constituted committees to compel the production of documents or other written records, or the attendance and testimony of witnesses, at any investigation or hearing. The board shall also issue subpoenas at the request and on behalf of the accused. If any person refuses to obey a subpoena or answer any proper question put to him or her during the hearing or proceeding, the superior court has jurisdiction, upon application by the board, to issue to that person an order requiring him or her to appear before the board or its hearing committee, to produce evidence if ordered, or to give testimony concerning the matter under investigation. Any failure to obey the order of the court may be punished by the court as civil contempt.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 165, § 5; P.L. 1901, ch. 926, § 2; C.P.A. 1905, § 1221; G.L. 1909, ch. 193, § 5; G.L. 1923, ch. 159, § 5; P.L. 1927, ch. 1029, § 2; G.L. 1938, ch. 275, § 5; impl. am. P.L. 1949, ch. 2228, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 5-37-6; P.L. 1986, ch. 301, § 5.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 5 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 5-37 - Board of Medical Licensure and Discipline › Section 5-37-6.1. - Report of hearing.

§ 5-37-6.1. Report of hearing.
After holding a hearing, the hearing committee of the board shall make a written report of its findings of fact, conclusions of law, and disciplinary order, if any.
History of Section.
P.L. 1986, ch. 301, § 6.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 5 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 5-37 - Board of Medical Licensure and Discipline › Section 5-37-6.2. - Decision of the board.

§ 5-37-6.2. Decision of the board.
If a majority of the members of the board, sitting as the hearing committee, vote in favor of finding the accused guilty of unprofessional conduct as specified in the charges, the board shall prepare written findings of fact and law in support of that conclusion. The board shall immediately transmit its findings, together with an order stating the sanction to be imposed upon the accused, to the director who shall, as soon as practicable, order that appropriate action be taken in accordance with the order of the board. In no case shall a person be found guilty of unprofessional conduct unless a majority of the hearing committee votes in favor of finding the person guilty. If the accused is found not guilty, the board shall immediately issue an order dismissing the charges.
History of Section.
P.L. 1986, ch. 301, § 6; P.L. 1988, ch. 385, § 1; P.L. 1989, ch. 534, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 5 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 5-37 - Board of Medical Licensure and Discipline › Section 5-37-6.3. - Sanctions.

§ 5-37-6.3. Sanctions.
If the accused is found guilty of unprofessional conduct as described in § 5-37-6.2, the director, at the direction of the board, shall impose one or more of the following conditions:
(1)
Administer a reprimand;
(2)
Suspend or limit or restrict his or her license or limited registration to practice medicine;
(3)
Require him or her to serve a period of probation subject to certain conditions and requirements including, where appropriate, sanctions or restitution;
(4)
Revoke indefinitely his or her license or limited registration to practice medicine;
(5)
Require him or her to submit to the care, counseling, or treatment of a physician or program acceptable to the board;
(6)
Require him or her to participate in a program of continuing medical education in the area or areas in which he or she has been judged deficient;
(7)
Require him or her to practice under the direction of a physician in a public institution, public or private healthcare program, or private practice for a period of time specified by the board;
(8)
Assess against the physician the administrative costs of the proceedings instituted against the physician under this chapter; provided, that this assessment does not exceed thirty thousand dollars ($30,000);
(9)
Any other conditions or restrictions deemed appropriate under the circumstances.
History of Section.
P.L. 1986, ch. 301, § 6; P.L. 1999, ch. 354, § 7; P.L. 2021, ch. 396, § 1, effective July 14, 2021; P.L. 2021, ch. 397, § 1, effective July 14, 2021.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 5 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 5-37 - Board of Medical Licensure and Discipline › Section 5-37-7. - Appeal from the decision of the director.

§ 5-37-7. Appeal from the decision of the director.
(a)
Any person whose license or limited registration to practice medicine has been revoked or suspended by the director or board, or is aggrieved by the decision of the board and/or director, has the right of judicial review of the decision of the board and director. This review shall be initiated by serving on the director a notice of appeal and filing such notice of appeal with a complaint in accordance with the rules of civil procedure in the superior court within thirty (30) days after the decision of the director.
(b)
The director shall, within twenty (20) days after the service of the notice of appeal, transmit to the clerk of the superior court to which the appeal is taken, a transcript of the record of the board certified under the seal of the board, together with a certified copy of the board’s written findings, all of which shall be admissible as evidence.
(c)
The findings of the board and/or director shall be final and conclusive, subject to review in the superior court pursuant to the administrative procedures act, chapter 35 of title 42. Any appeal taken to the superior court shall have precedence on the calendar, be considered an emergency matter, and shall be heard in any event not later than thirty (30) days from the date of appeal when practicable. There shall be no stay pending the appeal of any sanction imposed by the director unless it is determined that the matter cannot be placed on the court’s docket within the specified time. Except as provided in this chapter, appeals follow the procedures established in the administrative procedures act in chapter 35 of title 42.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 165, § 5; P.L. 1901, ch. 926, § 2; C.P.A. 1905, § 1226; G.L. 1909, ch. 193, § 5; G.L. 1923, ch. 159, § 5; P.L. 1927, ch. 1029, § 2; G.L. 1938, ch. 275, § 5; P.L. 1945, ch. 1638, § 1; impl. am. P.L. 1949, ch. 2228, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 5-37-7; P.L. 1986, ch. 301, § 5.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 5 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 5-37 - Board of Medical Licensure and Discipline › Section 5-37-8. - Grounds for discipline without hearing.

§ 5-37-8. Grounds for discipline without hearing.
The director may temporarily suspend the license of a physician or limited registrant without a hearing if the director finds that evidence in his or her possession indicates that a physician’s or limited registrant’s continuation in practice would constitute an immediate danger to the public. In the event that the director temporarily suspends the license of a physician or limited registrant without a hearing, a hearing by the board must be held within ten (10) days after the day the suspension has occurred. In the event the tenth day occurs on a Saturday, Sunday, or legal state holiday, the hearing by the board shall be held on the first business day following the Saturday, Sunday, or legal state holiday.
History of Section.
P.L. 1986, ch. 301, § 6; P.L. 2022, ch. 420, § 1, effective June 30, 2022; P.L. 2022, ch. 424, § 1, effective June 30, 2022.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 5 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 5-37 - Board of Medical Licensure and Discipline › Section 5-37-9.1. - Requirements relating to professional conduct.

§ 5-37-9.1. Requirements relating to professional conduct.
The board shall receive and maintain a confidential file, which will be available to the board to precipitate or aid in their investigations. The information shall also be available to licensed healthcare facilities including health-maintenance organizations in connection with the granting of staff privileges and to the individual physicians themselves and shall be available for inclusion in physician profiles pursuant to § 5-37-9.2. The file shall contain the following physician information:
(1)
Cases of malpractice suits against a physician as reported to the board by insurers and self-insurers;
(2)
Cases of malpractice suits that result in allegations being dropped, a dismissal, a settlement, or court judgment or arbitration award adverse to the physician;
(3)
Reports by any hospital or state or local professional medical association/society of disciplinary action taken against any physician. This should also include any resignation of a physician if related to unprofessional conduct as defined in law or any withdrawal of an application for hospital privileges relating to unprofessional conduct;
(4)
Reports by state and federal courts of physicians found guilty of a felony;
(5)
Reports by the professional review organization and third-party health insurers of sanctions imposed on a physician;
(6)
Annual reports by hospitals and health-maintenance organizations of current appointments to their medical staffs; and
(7)
Information supplied to the board by the Federation of State Medical Boards and the American Medical Association. The file may contain any other data that the board by reasonable rule or regulation deems appropriate.
History of Section.
P.L. 1986, ch. 350, § 11; P.L. 1997, ch. 348, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 5 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 5-37 - Board of Medical Licensure and Discipline › Section 5-37-10. - Biannual registration, physicians — Annual registration, hospitals.

§ 5-37-10. Biannual registration, physicians — Annual registration, hospitals.
(a)
Effective beginning in calendar year 2004, on or before the first day of March in each year, the board shall mail an application for biannual registration to every person to whom a license to practice medicine in this state has been granted by the licensing authority in the state. Every licensed person who intends to engage in the practice of his or her profession during the ensuing two-year (2) period shall register his or her license by submitting to the board, on or before June 1, the application, executed together with the registration form, and fee as established by regulation by the director of the department of health. Upon receipt of the application and fee, the board shall issue a registration certificate effective July 1 and expiring two (2) years following on June 30. The registration certificate renders the holder a registered practitioner of medicine for that registration period. Effective beginning in calendar year 2004, any references in this chapter to annual registration or annual limited registration shall be interpreted to mean biannual registration and biannual limited registration, respectively.
(b)
The registration certificate of all physicians whose renewals accompanied by the prescribed fee are not completed and filed on or before the first day of July shall automatically lapse. The board may, in its discretion and upon the payment by the physician of the current registration fee plus an additional fee as set forth in § 23-1-54, reinstate any certificate lapsed under the provisions of this section.
(c)
Hospitals shall, on or before the first day of December of each year, submit an application and annual fee to the board as a condition of rendering hospital services in the state. The form of application and fee shall be as the director, by regulation, establishes; provided, that the ratio of payment between hospital per-bed licensing fees and the combined licensing and board of medical licensure and discipline fees paid by physicians remain the same as the ratio that existed as of January 1, 1987. All fees collected pursuant to this section shall be deposited as general revenues.
History of Section.
G.L. 1938, ch. 275, § 30; P.L. 1954, ch. 3409, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 5-37-10; P.L. 1960, ch. 76, § 19; P.L. 1961, ch. 60, § 1; P.L. 1977, ch. 138, § 1; P.L. 1978, ch. 364, § 1; P.L. 1986, ch. 301, § 5; P.L. 1993, ch. 300, § 1; P.L. 1995, ch. 104, § 1; P.L. 1995, ch. 370, art. 40, § 19; P.L. 1998, ch. 65, § 1; P.L. 2003, ch. 249, § 1; P.L. 2003, ch. 339, § 1; P.L. 2007, ch. 73, art. 39, § 10; P.L. 2012, ch. 241, art. 9, § 12.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 5 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 5-37 - Board of Medical Licensure and Discipline › Section 5-37-11. - Inactive list.

§ 5-37-11. Inactive list.
A physician licensed to practice medicine who does not intend to engage in the practice of his or her profession during any year, upon written request to the board, may have his or her name transferred to an inactive list, and is not required to register annually or pay any registration fee as long as he or she remains inactive. Any physician whose name has been included in the inactive list as provided for in this section shall be restored to active status by the administrator of professional regulation upon the filing of a written request accompanied by the registration form and fee as established by regulation by the director of the department of health.
History of Section.
G.L. 1938, ch. 275, § 30; P.L. 1954, ch. 3409, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 5-37-11; P.L. 1991, ch. 354, § 4.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 5 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 5-37 - Board of Medical Licensure and Discipline › Section 5-37-12. - Unauthorized practice of medicine.

§ 5-37-12. Unauthorized practice of medicine.
Any person who is not lawfully authorized to practice medicine within this state, and registered according to law, who practices medicine or surgery or attempts to practice medicine or surgery, or any of the branches of medicine or surgery, after having received or with the intent of receiving, either directly or indirectly, any bonus, gift, or compensation, or who opens an office with intent to practice medicine, or holds himself or herself out to the public as a practitioner of medicine, whether by appending to his or her name the title of doctor or any abbreviation, or M.D., or any other title or designation implying a practitioner of medicine, or in any other way, shall be imprisoned not more than three (3) years, or fined not more than one thousand dollars ($1,000), or shall suffer both fine and imprisonment; and in no case when any provision of this chapter has been violated shall the person violating these provisions be entitled to receive compensation for services rendered.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 165, § 8; P.L. 1901, ch. 926, § 4; G.L. 1909, ch. 193, § 8; G.L. 1923, ch. 159, § 8; P.L. 1927, ch. 1029, § 3; G.L. 1938, ch. 275, § 8; G.L. 1956, § 5-37-12; P.L. 1964, ch. 193, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 5 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 5-37 - Board of Medical Licensure and Discipline › Section 5-37-13. - [Repealed.]

§ 5-37-13. [Repealed.]
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 165, § 7; P.L. 1896, ch. 340, § 1; G.L. 1909, ch. 193, § 7; G.L. 1923, ch. 159, § 7; G.L. 1938, ch. 275, § 7; impl. am. P.L. 1939, ch. 660, § 180; impl. am. P.L. 1949, ch. 2228, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 5-37-13; Repealed by P.L. 1976, ch. 244, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 5 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 5-37 - Board of Medical Licensure and Discipline › Section 5-37-14. - Exceptions to licensure requirement — Immunity from liability.

§ 5-37-14. Exceptions to licensure requirement — Immunity from liability.
No person licensed under this chapter, or members of the same professions licensed to practice in other states of the United States, who voluntarily and gratuitously and other than in the ordinary course of his or her employment or practice renders emergency medical assistance to a person in need of it, shall be liable for civil damages for any personal injuries that result from acts or omissions by these persons in rendering emergency care that may constitute ordinary negligence. This immunity does not apply to acts or omissions constituting gross, willful, or wanton negligence, or when rendered at any hospital, doctors’ offices, or clinic where these services are normally rendered.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 165, § 6; P.L. 1901, ch. 926, § 3; G.L. 1909, ch. 193, § 6; G.L. 1923, ch. 159, § 6; G.L. 1938, ch. 275, § 6; G.L. 1956, § 5-37-14; P.L. 1963, ch. 138, § 1; P.L. 1990, ch. 492, § 4; P.L. 2014, ch. 190, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 213, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 5 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 5-37 - Board of Medical Licensure and Discipline › Section 5-37-15. - Practice of religious beliefs.

§ 5-37-15. Practice of religious beliefs.
This chapter and chapter 30 of this title shall not be construed to affect the practice of the religious tenets of any church; provided, that any sanitary laws of the state, or rules and regulations of any officer, board, division, or department, as now are or hereafter may be in force, are complied with.
History of Section.
P.L. 1927, ch. 1029, § 5; G.L. 1938, ch. 275, § 28; 1956, § 5-37-15; P.L. 1986, ch. 301, § 5.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 5 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 5-37 - Board of Medical Licensure and Discipline › Section 5-37-16. - Limited registrations.

§ 5-37-16. Limited registrations.
(a)
An applicant for limited registration under this chapter who furnishes the board with satisfactory proof that the applicant is eighteen (18) years of age or older and of good moral character; that the applicant has graduated from a legally chartered medical school or school of osteopathic medicine having power to grant degrees in allopathic or osteopathic medicine; and that the applicant has been appointed an intern, resident, fellow, or medical officer in a hospital or other institution maintained by the state, or by a city or town, or in a hospital or clinic that is incorporated under the laws of this state, or in a clinic that is affiliated with a hospital licensed by the department of health, or in an outpatient clinic operated by the state, may, upon the payment as set forth in § 23-1-54, be registered by the board as a hospital medical officer for any time that the board may prescribe. This limited registration shall entitle the applicant to practice medicine in the hospital or other institution designated on his or her certificate of limited registration, or outside this hospital or other institution for the treatment, under the supervision of one of its medical officers who is a licensed physician, of persons accepted by it as patients, or in any hospital, institution, clinic, or program affiliated for training purposes with the hospital, institution, or clinic designated on this certificate, which affiliation is approved by the board, and in any case under regulations established by the hospital, institution, or clinic; provided, that each hospital, institution, or clinic annually submits to the board a list of affiliated hospitals, institutions, clinics, or programs providing training programs that comply with the terms of this section. Limited registration under this section may be revoked at any time by the board.
(b)
The director may promulgate any rules and regulations that he or she deems necessary to carry out the provisions of this chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 1958, ch. 158, § 1; P.L. 1971, ch. 69, § 1; P.L. 1982, ch. 84, § 1; P.L. 1986, ch. 159, § 1; P.L. 1986, ch. 301, § 5; P.L. 2007, ch. 73, art. 39, § 10; P.L. 2012, ch. 241, art. 9, § 12.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 5 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 5-37 - Board of Medical Licensure and Discipline › Section 5-37-16.1. - Limited registration — Academic faculty.

§ 5-37-16.1. Limited registration — Academic faculty.
Notwithstanding any other provisions of this chapter, a physician of noteworthy and recognized professional attainment who is a clearly outstanding physician and who has been offered by the dean of a medical school in this state a full-time academic appointment, shall be eligible for a limited registration while serving on the academic staff of the medical school. Upon recommendation of the dean of an accredited school of medicine in this state, the board in its discretion, after being satisfied that the applicant is a graduate of a foreign medical school and a person of professional rank whose knowledge and special training will benefit the medical school in this state, may issue to this physician a limited registration to engage in the practice of medicine to the extent that this practice is incidental to a necessary part of his or her academic appointment and then only in the hospital or hospitals and outpatient clinics connected with the medical school. Except to the extent authorized by this section, the registrant shall not engage in the practice of medicine or receive compensation for his or her limited-registration work, unless he or she is issued a license to practice medicine in accordance with the provisions of § 5-37-2. The registration shall be valid for a period of not more than one year expiring on the 30th day of June following its initial effective date but may be renewed annually; provided, that the registration automatically expires when the holder’s relationship with the medical school is terminated. The application fee for the initial registration authorized under this section and the initial application fee for annual renewal shall be as set forth in § 23-1-54. Thereafter the fees shall be as promulgated by regulation of the director.
History of Section.
P.L. 1983, ch. 139, § 1; P.L. 1986, ch. 160, § 1; P.L. 1986, ch. 301, § 5; P.L. 1986, ch. 386, § 1; P.L. 2007, ch. 73, art. 39, § 10; P.L. 2012, ch. 241, art. 9, § 12.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 5 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 5-37 - Board of Medical Licensure and Discipline › Section 5-37-17. - Power to examine individuals.

§ 5-37-17. Power to examine individuals.
Persons between the ages of eighteen (18) and twenty-one (21) years may give legal consent for examination and treatment for illnesses resulting from administration of drugs, and any physical examination and treatment by a registered physician, hospital, or mental-health facility as designated and defined by regulations of the department of health within the provisions of this chapter upon the person of an individual aged eighteen (18) and older who has given consent shall not constitute an assault or an assault and battery upon that person.
History of Section.
P.L. 1971, ch. 90; P.L. 1998, ch. 391, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 5 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 5-37 - Board of Medical Licensure and Discipline › Section 5-37-18. - Prescription slips.

§ 5-37-18. Prescription slips.
Every prescription slip issued by a physician shall contain the clearly-printed name and address of the issuing physician. In addition, every prescription written in this state shall have one line for the practitioner’s signature.
History of Section.
P.L. 1971, ch. 122, § 1; P.L. 1976, ch. 237, § 1; P.L. 1978, ch. 106, § 1; P.L. 1999, ch. 110, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 5 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 5-37 - Board of Medical Licensure and Discipline › Section 5-37-18.1. - Physicians required to authorize product selection.

§ 5-37-18.1. Physicians required to authorize product selection.
Every licensed Rhode Island physician, when prescribing any drug by brand name, shall in each prescription, oral, written, or electronic, authorize a less expensive generic-equivalent drug product by signing the prescription. If, in the professional judgment of the prescribing physician, the brand name is medically necessary, the physician shall indicate “brand name necessary” on the prescription form. Pursuant to § 42-127.1-7 and chapter 19.1 of this title, an electronic signature shall satisfy this requirement.
History of Section.
P.L. 1976, ch. 237, § 2; P.L. 1981, ch. 88, § 2; P.L. 1995, ch. 88, § 1; P.L. 2003, ch. 47, § 1; P.L. 2003, ch. 405, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 5 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 5-37 - Board of Medical Licensure and Discipline › Section 5-37-18.2. - Penalty for violating § 5-37-18 or § 5-37-18.1.

§ 5-37-18.2. Penalty for violating § 5-37-18 or § 5-37-18.1.
Any person, firm, or corporation, who or that violates any of the provisions of § 5-37-18 or § 5-37-18.1 shall be fined not more than one hundred dollars ($100) for each violation.
History of Section.
P.L. 1976, ch. 237, § 2; P.L. 1981, ch. 88, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 5 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 5-37 - Board of Medical Licensure and Discipline › Section 5-37-19. - Blank prescriptions.

§ 5-37-19. Blank prescriptions.
Any physician who signs a prescription in blank and delivers it to a patient or any other person except a duly licensed pharmacist shall be fined no more than five hundred dollars ($500).
History of Section.
P.L. 1971, ch. 185, § 1; P.L. 1999, ch. 110, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 5 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 5-37 - Board of Medical Licensure and Discipline › Section 5-37-20. - Acupuncture.

§ 5-37-20. Acupuncture.
Persons licensed and registered as physicians under this chapter shall be allowed to practice acupuncture only in accordance with the rules and regulations promulgated by the director.
History of Section.
P.L. 1974, ch. 199, § 1; P.L. 1976, ch. 260, § 1; P.L. 1986, ch. 301, § 5.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 5 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 5-37 - Board of Medical Licensure and Discipline › Section 5-37-21. - Fee splitting.

§ 5-37-21. Fee splitting.
No physician shall directly or indirectly receive payment, reimbursement, compensation, or fee for a referral to any clinical laboratory. A violation of the provisions of this section shall constitute a misdemeanor and upon conviction thereof may be punished by imprisonment for not longer than one year or a fine of not more than five hundred dollars ($500), or both.
History of Section.
P.L. 1975, ch. 114, § 3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 5 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 5-37 - Board of Medical Licensure and Discipline › Section 5-37-23. - Over-billing reward program.

§ 5-37-23. Over-billing reward program.
(a)
Any person sixty-five (65) years of age or older who is billed for healthcare services that have never been provided to that person may report the billing error to the office of healthy aging. The division shall investigate the report.
(b)
The healthcare provider shall repay any verified billing error, and in addition shall pay ten percent (10%) of the billing error to this patient. The ten percent (10%) award shall not preclude recovery by the patient under any other provision of the Rhode Island general laws. Diagnostic-related group billings are exempt from the ten percent (10%) penalty.
History of Section.
P.L. 1984, ch. 374, § 1; P.L. 1986, ch. 301, § 5.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 5 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 5-37 - Board of Medical Licensure and Discipline › Section 5-37-24. - [Repealed.]

§ 5-37-24. [Repealed.]
History of Section.
P.L. 1985, ch. 117, § 1; Repealed by P.L. 2003, ch. 249, § 2, effective July 17, 2003; P.L. 2003, ch. 339, § 2, effective July 17, 2003.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 5 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 5-37 - Board of Medical Licensure and Discipline › Section 5-37-25. - Violations — Penalties.

§ 5-37-25. Violations — Penalties.
Unless another penalty is provided by the laws of this state, any person who violates any provision of this chapter or any rule or regulation adopted under this chapter, shall, upon conviction, be punished by a fine of not more than one thousand dollars ($1,000), or by imprisonment for not more than one year, or both.
History of Section.
P.L. 1986, ch. 301, § 5.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 5 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 5-37 - Board of Medical Licensure and Discipline › Section 5-37-25.1. - Injunction of violations.

§ 5-37-25.1. Injunction of violations.
When it appears to the director or board that any person is violating any of the provisions of this chapter, the director or board may institute an action to enjoin the violation in a court of competent jurisdiction, and the court may restrain and/or enjoin any person, firm, corporation, or association from violating any of the provisions of this chapter without regard to whether proceedings have been or may be instituted before the board or whether criminal proceedings have been or may be instituted.
History of Section.
P.L. 1986, ch. 301, § 6.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 5 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 5-37 - Board of Medical Licensure and Discipline › Section 5-37-26. - Medical forms.

§ 5-37-26. Medical forms.
Physicians or other persons are prohibited from requiring patients or their representatives to sign blank forms provided by or for any third-party payers or nonprofit medical-service corporations prior to, during, or subsequent to rendering services. Any physician or other person violating any of the provisions of this section shall be fined up to one hundred dollars ($100) for each violation.
History of Section.
P.L. 1985, ch. 454, § 1; P.L. 1986, ch. 242, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 5 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 5-37 - Board of Medical Licensure and Discipline › Section 5-37-27. - Severability.

§ 5-37-27. Severability.
If any provision of this chapter, or of any rule or regulation made under this chapter, or the application of this chapter to any person or circumstances is held invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, the remainder of the chapter, rule, or regulation, and the application of this provision to other persons or circumstances, shall not be affected.
History of Section.
P.L. 1986, ch. 301, § 6.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 5 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 5-37 - Board of Medical Licensure and Discipline › Section 5-37-28. - Communications of information among healthcare facilities.

§ 5-37-28. Communications of information among healthcare facilities.
Any licensed healthcare facility, acting by and through its chief executive officer or his or her designee, may, upon the request of any other licensed healthcare facility, communicate to the chief executive officer of the requesting facility or his or her designee any or all information available regarding circumstances under which the privileges of any physician were changed as described in § 5-37-9(3). No healthcare facility, chief executive officer (or his or her designee), nor any member of a peer-review board of a licensed healthcare facility communicating information under this section, or other person participating in or providing information to this peer-review board, shall have any liability arising out of this communication, unless the person making this communication is not acting in good faith.
History of Section.
P.L. 1988, ch. 572, § 1.