R.I. Gen. Laws § 23-104-7: Licensing and reporting reforms.

Mental health disclosure reform.

(1) The board of examiners in podiatry (chapter 29 of title 5), the board of examiners in dentistry (chapter 31.1 of title 5), the board of medical licensure and discipline (chapter 37 of title 5), and the board of licensure for physician assistants (chapter 54 of title 5) shall revise licensing and renewal applications to:

(i) Eliminate broad questions regarding past mental health diagnoses.

(ii) Limit inquiries to current impairments affecting safe practice that are not being appropriately managed.

(iii) Emphasize that seeking mental health or substance abuse treatment will not automatically result in disciplinary action.

(2) The boards shall conform licensing requirements to those of the Federation of State Medical Boards and national best practices to ensure that mental health questions focus on functional ability and not diagnosis history.