Assembly OKs emergency licenses

PROVIDENCE – The R.I. General Assembly has approved legislation to allow temporary licenses to be issued to health care providers from other states in the event of a public health emergency in Rhode Island.
The bill, requested by Lt. Gov. Elizabeth H. Roberts in her capacity as chairwoman of the R.I. Emergency Management Advisory Council, is intended to ensure that Rhode Island can seek out-of-state help in the event of a major health crisis. The R.I. Department of Health would issue the temporary licenses.
“Clearly we all hope that Rhode Island never faces such a significant public health emergency that we need to employ this provision,” said Sen. John J. Tassoni, D-Smithfield, who sponsored the measure in the Senate.
“We have to have a plan should an emergency arise that overwhelms our state’s health care system,” said Rep. J. Patrick O’Neill, D-Pawtucket, the measure’s House sponsor. “By allowing temporary licensing of out-of-state health care providers, we are ensuring Rhode Islanders will be able to get the care they need if a worst-care scenario ever plays out.”
The legislation, which has been submitted to Gov. Donald L. Carcieri for his signature, allows licenses to be issued for up to 90 days in the case of a public health emergency. To qualify, providers must hold an active license in another state.