Rhode Island 2026 Regular Session

Rhode Island Senate Bill S2107

Introduced
1/16/26  

Caption

Establishes the healthcare worker platform and would require platforms offering healthcare shifts to register with the department of health by June 1, 2027, while, specifically, exempting them from being classified as nursing service agencies.

Impact

If enacted, S2107 will alter the landscape of healthcare staffing by introducing a structured registration process that aims to enhance the quality and regulatory scrutiny of services offered through electronic platforms. This act seeks to ensure that platforms comply with relevant health and safety standards while also providing a clear definition of what constitutes a healthcare worker platform. By exempting these platforms from the nursing service agency classification, the bill could encourage more innovative staffing solutions in healthcare, but also raises questions about the adequacy of current regulations.

Summary

Bill S2107, titled the 'Healthcare Worker Platform Act,' aims to establish a regulatory framework for platforms that facilitate healthcare worker placements. The legislation mandates that healthcare worker platforms register with the state’s Department of Health by June 1, 2027, thus ensuring oversight and accountability in the sector. Notably, the bill exempts these platforms from being classified under the traditional nursing service agency regulations, indicating a recognition of the unique nature of platform-based employment in healthcare.

Contention

The main points of contention surrounding S2107 focus on the implications of exempting healthcare worker platforms from existing nursing service agency standards. Opponents may argue that this exemption could lead to a lack of oversight and potential exploitation of healthcare workers. Proponents, conversely, suggest that the bill reflects the evolving nature of healthcare employment and the need for flexible, tech-driven solutions to modern staffing challenges. As such, the discussions around S2107 highlight the balance between regulation and innovation in the healthcare sector.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI H6087

Creates the healthcare worker platform act that requires platforms offering healthcare shifts to register with the Rhode Island department of health by June 1, 2026, while exempting them from being classified as nursing service agencies.

RI S0898

HEALTH AND SAFETY -- HEALTHCARE WORKER PLATFORM

RI S0567

Requires healthcare facilities that perform abortions meet the license requirements of similar healthcare facilities and allows the department of health to conduct unannounced inspections.

RI S0305

Establishes the right of a medical practitioner, healthcare institution, or healthcare payer not to participate in or pay for any medical procedure or service this violates their conscience.

RI S0789

Requires the disclosure of the transfer of certain assets of healthcare facilities and provides penalties for failing to file healthcare facility ownership information.

RI H5426

Requires the disclosure of the transfer of certain assets of healthcare facilities and provides penalties for failing to file healthcare facility ownership information.

RI S0474

Establishes a rare disease advisory council within the department of health to provide guidance and recommendations to educate healthcare providers and the citizens of the state.

RI H6128

Establishes a core state behavioral health crisis services system, to be administered by the director of the department of behavioral healthcare, developmental disabilities and hospitals.

RI S0487

Prohibits any healthcare facility, from asking the legal immigration status of any patient.

RI S0463

Requires each healthcare entity/network plan to compile/report to health insurance commissioner a summary of how the healthcare entity/network plan requires its contracted providers to submit claims for in-network outpatient behavioral health services.

Similar Bills

RI H7030

Creates the healthcare worker platform act that requires platforms offering healthcare shifts to register with the Rhode Island department of health while exempting them from being classified as nursing service agencies.

RI H6087

Creates the healthcare worker platform act that requires platforms offering healthcare shifts to register with the Rhode Island department of health by June 1, 2026, while exempting them from being classified as nursing service agencies.

KS SB228

Providing for the regulation of supplemental nursing services agencies and healthcare workers platforms by the secretary for aging and disability services.

KS HB2184

Providing for the regulation of supplemental nursing services agencies and healthcare workers platforms by the secretary for aging and disability services.

GA HB991

Labor and industrial relations; definition of employment for certain services performed by certain healthcare technology platform contractors; provisions

RI S0807

Requires public bodies to offer translation services for all open meetings of said bodies.

RI S0898

HEALTH AND SAFETY -- HEALTHCARE WORKER PLATFORM

OH HB277

Regards employment status of health care workers