Health license renewal system called a success

PROVIDENCE – The R.I. Department of Health says its online license renewal system has attained the highest usage rate of any such programs implemented by Rhode Island government agencies, with more than 90 percent of physicians, pharmacists and nurses renewing their licenses online.
The R.I. Department of Business Regulation and the R.I. Department of Labor and Training also have e-licensing systems.
The Health system allows participants to see their renewed licenses on the license verification site within hours of renewing, as opposed to the two to three weeks required for processing paper renewals. There is less room for error, as licensees can update their own information, such as address and education status. E-licensing also cuts down on staff time and delays to the licensee due to over- or underpayment, bank processing time and return of unsigned or incomplete paper forms, officials said.
The system has also provided new opportunities, such as the inclusion of an optional online survey for nurses earlier this year that gathered information on the settings where they work, how many hours they work each week, and whether they provide direct patient care.
Health professionals can also sign up to volunteer in the event of a natural disaster or other public health emergency.