Rhode Island Senate Bill S2111

Rhode Island 2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/16/26
• Refer: 1/16/26

Caption

Allows advanced practice registered nurses, physician assistants, and physicians who are and are not licensed in Rhode Island to provide telemedicine services to patients who are in the state when those services are rendered.

Impact

The bill impacts existing statutes governing healthcare practices by broadening the scope of who can deliver telemedicine services. This aligns with modern healthcare trends that emphasize digital health solutions, particularly in a post-pandemic landscape where telehealth has become integral to patient care. By exempting out-of-state providers from local licensing requirements, the legislation promotes greater flexibility and accessibility in healthcare delivery within the state. This could significantly improve patient access to care, especially for those in remote areas or those unable to visit healthcare facilities in person.

Summary

S2111 introduces legislative changes to the practice of telemedicine within Rhode Island, allowing advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), physician assistants (PAs), and physicians—whether licensed in Rhode Island or from out of state—to provide telemedicine services. This legislation aims to facilitate healthcare access by minimizing barriers related to state licensing for practitioners treating patients remotely. The bill specifies that these healthcare providers can serve patients located in Rhode Island as long as they have established provider-patient relationships and adhere to stated professional standards.

Contention

Notably, there are some concerns surrounding the implications of this legislation. Critics may argue that allowing out-of-state providers to treat patients without full licensure in Rhode Island could lead to inconsistencies in care quality and accountability. Furthermore, there may be worries about the potential risk of compromised patient safety due to a lack of established regulatory frameworks for telemedicine practices. Thus, the implementation of S2111 may spark debate on balancing regulatory oversight with the need for expanded access to healthcare services.