Rhode Island State Policy Fact Sheet
Nurse Practice Act: RI ST § 5-34-1.1
Regulatory Structure: Full Practice
State practice and licensure laws authorize NPs to evaluate patients, diagnose and prescribe medications and therapeutic measures.
RI ST §5-34-44
Regulatory Agencies
NP practice is regulated by the Board of Nursing.
63 P.S. § 212.1
Licensure Requirements
State law requires an RN license, a graduate degree in an NP role and national certification.
63 P.S. § 218.1
Continuing Education*
State law requires 10 CE hours every two years. See the Board of Nursing for details.
RI ADC 31-5-28:8.0
Malpractice Insurance
Rhode Island NPs are required to maintain malpractice insurance in the amount of $100,000 per claim and $300,000 in the aggregate.
RI ST § 42-14.1-2
Medical Staff Membership**
Medical staff is composed in accordance with hospital bylaws.
RI ADC 31-4-18:8.0
Primary Care Providers
NPs are defined in law as primary care providers.
RI ST § 5-34-3
Signature Recognition on Items of Patient Care
- Signature Authority: Rhode Island grants NPs signature authority.
RI ST § 5-34-42 - Physical Therapy: Rhode Island NPs are authorized to refer to physical therapy.
RI ST § 5-34-49 - Parking Permits: Rhode Island NPs are authorized to provide proof of disability for disabled parking permits.
RI ST § 5-34-42 - Do Not Resuscitate Orders: Rhode Island NPs are authorized to sign do not resuscitate orders.
RI ST § 23-4.11 - Death Certificates: Rhode Island NPs are authorized to sign death certificates.
RI ST § 5-34-42 - Provider Orders for Life-sustaining Treatment (POLST)/Medical Orders for Life-sustaining Treatment (MOLST): Rhode Island's MOLST form may be signed by an NP.
RI ST § 23-4.11-2
*Contact hours in specific topics may be required. Please contact your state’s Board of Nursing for current information.
**Medical staff membership refers to governing and voting privileges and is not reflective of clinical or admitting privileges within institutions.
Updated November 2017