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SB 2116

AN ACT RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS -- NURSES

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Sam Bell and 8 co-sponsors

SB 2116 addresses Rhode Island nursing profession regulation, likely affecting licensure, practice standards, or workforce requirements in the state healthcare system.

04/29/2026 Signed by Governor
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 2116

Legislative bill overview

SB 2116 is a Rhode Island bill relating to businesses and professions in the nursing field. The bill was recently introduced and referred to the Senate Health and Human Services Committee on January 16, 2026. Without access to the full bill text, the specific provisions cannot be detailed, but it appears to address regulatory, licensing, or professional standards for nurses in the state.

Why is this important

Nursing regulation directly affects healthcare workforce availability, patient safety standards, and the nursing profession's working conditions. Changes to nursing licensure, scope of practice, education requirements, or professional conduct standards can have widespread implications for Rhode Island's healthcare system and the thousands of nurses working in the state.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope of practice expansion or restriction – Proposals to expand nurse practitioner or advanced practice nurse authority, or conversely restrict certain nursing roles, often face opposition from physicians' groups or nursing associations depending on the direction
  • Licensing and credential requirements – Changes to educational prerequisites, continuing education mandates, or reciprocal licensing agreements between states can affect workforce flexibility and cost of entering/maintaining the profession
  • Staffing ratios or working condition standards – If the bill addresses nurse-to-patient ratios or scheduling practices, it may conflict with healthcare facility operational concerns versus worker advocacy priorities

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

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