Rhode Island Nurse Practice Act: Facility Guide

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Written by Katherine Zheng, PhD, BSN Content Writer, IntelyCare
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Reviewed by Aldo Zilli, Esq. Senior Manager, B2B Content, IntelyCare
A nurse in the operating room checks her patient's chart.

The nursing profession is the largest segment of the healthcare workforce, encompassing nearly 100 unique roles and specialties. Every type of nurse has their own set of duties, which are strictly governed by state regulations. In Rhode Island, these regulations are found in the Rhode Island Nurse Practice Act (NPA).

The Rhode Island NPA provides guidelines for nursing professionals with the intent of keeping patients safe from harm. Facility leaders must also understand these guidelines to enforce appropriate care protocols at the institutional level. In this article, we’ll provide an overview of the Rhode Island NPA and outline tips for promoting compliance among your staff.

Rhode Island NPA at a Glance

State nursing regulations are overseen and enforced by the Rhode Island Board of Nursing. The NPA outlines credentialing requirements, scope of practice rules, and delegation guidelines for the following types of nursing professionals:

  • Registered nurses (RNs)
  • Licensed practical nurses (LPNs)
  • Advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs)

Below, we’ll summarize key aspects of the NPA and link to resources that can help you enforce these rules and regulations.

Rhode Island Nurse Practice Act Summary
Legal Authorities Rhode Island General Laws:

Rhode Island Code of Regulations:
Nursing Licensure Requirements Registered nurses (RNs) and licensed practical nurses (LPNs) can obtain a Rhode Island nursing license by endorsement or examination.

Steps to receive licensure by examination:

  1. Complete an accredited nursing program.
  2. Register for and pass the NCLEX exam.
  3. Complete a Rhode Island nursing license application.
  4. Submit proof of Primary State of Residency (PSOR).
  5. Submit a background check and fingerprints.

Steps to receive licensure by endorsement:

  1. Verify current licensure through NURSYS.
  2. Complete an application for endorsement.
  3. Submit proof of Primary State of Residency (PSOR).
  4. Submit a background check and fingerprints.

Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) must also be licensed by the state in order to work. Learn more about CNA licensure requirements through the RI Department of Health.
Scope of Practice Guidelines The NPA very broadly defines the RN, LPN, and APRN scopes of practice.

The Rhode Island LPN scope of practice includes the:

  • Promotion, maintenance, and restoration of patient and family health.
  • Use of standard nursing procedures under the direction of an RN.

The Rhode Island RN scope of practice includes the:

  • Assessment, identification, and determination of patient goals.
  • Development of a nursing care plan to achieve these goals.
  • Teaching and evaluation of patients’ responses to nursing actions.
  • Delivery of treatments as prescribed by a licensed physician, dentist, podiatrist, or other licensed healthcare provider.

The Rhode Island APRN scope of practice includes the:

  • Responsibility to serve as a primary- or acute-care provider of record.
  • Advanced assessment, diagnosing, prescribing, and ordering of treatments.
  • Consultation or referral of patients to other providers as appropriate.
Delegation Rules Nursing delegation standards are outlined in the regulations supporting the Nurse Practice Act. Rhode Island RNs and LPNs are allowed to delegate tasks under certain conditions. They are also held accountable for the quality of care resulting from it.

RN delegation rules:

  • RNs can delegate to both CNAs and unlicensed assistive personnel if a full assessment has been made and the patient’s condition is stable.
  • The delegated task must be consistent with the delegatee’s knowledge, skills, training, experience, and cultural awareness.
  • Tasks that require ongoing nursing assessment and decision-making cannot be delegated.

LPN delegation rules:

  • LPNs can delegate to both CNAs and unlicensed assistive personnel if the RN’s assessment allows such delegation to occur.
  • LPNs must act within their scope of practice when delegating tasks.
Violations and Penalties The NPA lists examples of violations that are classified as misdemeanors. These include:

  • Selling or fraudulently obtaining any nursing diploma or license.
  • Practicing nursing without a valid or active license to do so.
  • Running a nursing education program without approval.

Anyone who participates in these acts or violates any other provisions of the Rhode Island Nurse Practice Act may face a fine of up to $300 for the first offense and up to $500 for subsequent offenses, and up to a year of imprisonment. The Board can also impose other disciplinary actions such as licensure suspension, revocation, or remedial education.
Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) State? Rhode Island is part of the NLC, meaning that nurses within the state can practice according to the rules and guidelines established by the NLC.

Improving NPA Compliance: 3 Tips for Facilities

With this overview of the Rhode Island Nurse Practice Act, you may be wondering how to apply these provisions at your facility. Here are three additional tips to help you hold your staff to the highest professional standards.

1. Maintain an Organized Credentialing Process

Hiring nurses who do not hold a valid license can lead to serious consequences for both your facility and patients. However, this can be easily prevented with a strong credentialing process. To ensure your candidates are legally authorized to work in the state, take steps to screen them through the Rhode Island nursing license verification portal. You should also contact all relevant educational boards and authorities to verify diplomas and certifications.

2. Remind Staff to Stay on Top of Licensure Renewals

It’s also important to ensure that your current staff are maintaining active licenses to avoid interruptions in care. Rhode Island requires all nursing professionals to renew their licenses and complete 10 hours of continuing education every 2 years. Sending out annual email reminders with links to the state’s requirements can help ensure your staff are completing their renewals on time.

3. Stay Up-to-Date on the Latest Nursing Regulations

Regulations at both the state and federal level are constantly being amended to reflect the latest evidence-based practices and standards of care. It’s important to stay informed so that your facility is enforcing the most up-to-date guidelines for nursing professionals.

In addition to checking for updates through the RI Board of Nursing, you should also refer to resources published by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCBSN), including its:

Discover More Practical Ways to Stay Informed

Regulations like the Rhode Island Nurse Practice Act can seem overwhelming, but learning about them doesn’t have to be. Looking for an easier way to stay in the know? Get expert-written nursing news and management insights delivered straight to your inbox.

Legal Disclaimer: This article contains general legal information, but it is not intended to constitute professional legal advice for any particular situation and should not be relied on as professional legal advice. Any references to the law may not be current, as laws regularly change through updates in legislation, regulation, and case law at the federal and state level. Nothing in this article should be interpreted as creating an attorney-client relationship. If you have legal questions, you should seek the advice of an attorney licensed to practice in your jurisdiction.

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