Provides that advanced practice registered nurses have the same immunity from liability as physicians and surgeons.

Plain-English Summary

This bill changes Rhode Island law to give advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) — such as nurse practitioners — the same legal protections that physicians and surgeons already have when making certain mental health-related decisions. Currently, when doctors make good-faith decisions about mental health care (such as deciding whether to hospitalize a patient or authorize treatment), they are protected from being sued if something goes wrong, as long as they acted reasonably. This bill extends that same protection to APRNs.

The change recognizes that APRNs play an increasingly important role in providing mental health care in Rhode Island, often performing many of the same responsibilities as physicians in this area. Without equal legal protections, APRNs could face greater personal liability than doctors for making the same types of decisions — which could discourage them from participating in mental health care or taking on these responsibilities.

This bill affects APRNs working in mental health settings, as well as patients who rely on them for care. For APRNs, it levels the legal playing field with physicians. For patients, it may help maintain or expand access to mental health services, since providers would be less deterred by unequal legal risk. It does not remove accountability — the immunity applies only when providers act in good faith and follow reasonable standards of care.

The bill has passed the full House and has been referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee for further consideration.