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HB 7836

AN ACT RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS -- BARBERS, HAIRDRESSERS, COSMETICIANS, MANICURISTS, AND ESTHETICIANS

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Karen Alzate and 4 co-sponsors

HB 7836 modernizes and synchronizes two-year renewal cycles, notices, and education requirements across health-profession licenses, plus clarifies unlicensed practice rules.

06/10/2026 Signed by Governor
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 7836

Summary of HB 7836 (Rhode Island, 2026)

Title: AN ACT RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS -- BARBERS, HAIRDRESSERS, COSMETICIANS, MANICURISTS, AND ESTHETICIANS

Introduced: February 27, 2026
Referred to: House Corporations (Department of Health)
Primary sponsors: Representatives Giraldo, Alzate, Cruz, Donovan, Morales
Status: As of the latest action, Committee recommends passage (April 28, 2026)

1) Main purpose and intent

  • The bill aims to modernize and streamline various professional licensing provisions across multiple health-related professions, with a focus on:

    • Updating notice and renewal processes (including electronic communications)
    • Synchronizing renewal timelines across certain license types
    • Harmonizing licensing requirements across several health-licensing boards
    • Updating provisions related to unlicensed health care practices

  • Overall goal: improve efficiency, reduce administrative burdens, and ensure consistent renewal and education requirements where applicable.

2) Key provisions and changes

The bill contains numerous amendments to a broad set of licensing statutes. The notable changes include:

  • Section 5-10-10 (Barbers, Hairdressers, Cosmeticians, Manicurists, Estheticians)

    • Clarifies application forms, renewal procedures, and renewal deadlines.
    • Renewal cycle: license expires on October 30 of every other year on an odd-even basis; renewal window runs through October 15; renewal valid from October 1 for two years.
    • Reinstatement: licenses lapsed can be reinstated upon paying current renewal fee.
    • Maintains that the license must be carried by the licensee during performance of licensed services.

  • Sections 5-25-12 (Veterinary Practice) and 5-30-12 (Chiropractic Physicians), among others

    • Each section updates expiration/renewal timelines, reminder communications, and renewal processes for the respective professions, generally aligning them with a two-year renewal cycle and continuing education requirements.

  • Sections covering multiple health professions (dentists, dental hygienists, funeral directors/embalmers, nurses, physicians, physical therapists, occupational therapy, psychologists, physician assistants, applied behavior analysts, etc.)

    • Recodified biennial or biannual renewal structures (where applicable), including:
    • Renewal notices by mail or electronic means
    • Renewal application timing (typically biennial, with specific due dates)
    • Renewal fees (often governed by the general § 23-1-54 schedule)
    • Requirements for continuing education (where relevant)
    • Reinstatement provisions for lapsed licenses (fees and penalties)
    • Inactive status options for certain professions

  • Section 23-74-1 (Unlicensed Health Care Practices)

    • Clarifies definitions and applicability for unlicensed health care practices and practitioners.
    • States that unlicensed health care practitioners may operate and be remunerated, but there are limitations, including restrictions on medical diagnoses.
    • Indicates that unlicensed practice is regulated by the director of health and the applicable licensing boards if performed under a licensed practitioner.

  • Section 5-86-13 (Licensing of Applied Behavior Analysts)

    • Sets renewal, continuing education, and lapse reinstatement requirements.
    • Includes a modest renewal fee (e.g., $150) and a lapse reinstatement fee ($40).

  • Effective date

    • The act states that it shall take effect upon passage.

  • Administrative modernization

    • The Explanation notes electronic notification modernization, synchronized renewal dates for certain license-types, and broader licensing streamlining across several boards.

3) Who or what would be affected

  • Licensed professionals in Rhode Island across a wide range of fields governed by the Department of Health and related boards, including but not limited to:

    • Barbers, hairdressers, cosmeticians, manicurists, estheticians
    • Veterinarians and veterinary staff
    • Chiropractors
    • Dentists and dental hygienists
    • Funeral directors/embalmers and funeral establishments
    • Nurses
    • Physical therapists and assistants
    • Occupational therapists and assistants
    • Psychologists
    • Physician assistants
    • Applied behavior analysts and assistant analysts
    • Mental health counselors and marriage and family therapists (continuing education provisions referenced)

  • Unlicensed health care practitioners

    • The act clarifies the scope and enforcement related to unlicensed practice.

  • State regulatory bodies

    • The Rhode Island Department of Health and its boards/licensing authorities are affected via updated renewal processes, notifications, and education requirements.

4) Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Renewal cycles:

    • Many licenses operate on a biennial renewal basis with renewals typically due by a defined date (often spring or fall in the even or odd years, depending on statute).
    • Renewal letters and reminders to be sent on or before designated dates, with electronic notification permitted.

  • Reinstatement:

    • Provisions generally allow reinstatement after lapse upon payment of renewal fees and, in some cases, additional reinstatement fees and proof of continuing education.

  • Education requirements:

    • Several professions require continuing education as a condition of renewal.
    • The department may grant limited extensions (e.g., up to six months) in cases of hardship.

  • Effective date:

    • The act takes effect upon passage.

  • Administrative alignment:

    • The measure emphasizes modernization of communications (electronic notices) and alignment of renewal dates across multiple license frameworks.

If you’d like, I can provide a side-by-side comparison of current law versus HB 7836 for any specific profession or section, or distill the anticipated fiscal or implementation considerations.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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