Rhode Island scope of practice for med spas

RN / NP scope for injectables in Rhode Island

Rhode Island writes APRN autonomy into the definition itself. “Advanced practice registered nursing” means an INDEPENDENT AND EXPANDED scope of nursing, in a role and population focus approved by the board of nurse registration and nursing education, that includes the registered nurse scope of practice and may include performing acts of advanced assessment, diagnosing, prescribing and ordering. The APRN title covers the certified nurse practitioner, the certified registered nurse anesthetist and the certified clinical nurse specialist, each functioning in a population focus, and an APRN MAY SERVE AS A PRIMARY- OR ACUTE-CARE PROVIDER OF RECORD. The same definition attaches the accountability: each APRN is accountable to patients, the profession and the board for complying with the chapter and for the quality of care rendered, for recognizing the limits of their knowledge and experience, for planning for situations beyond their expertise, and for consulting with or referring patients to other healthcare providers as appropriate. PHYSICIAN ASSISTANTS are on a different footing: they shall practice IN COLLABORATION WITH PHYSICIANS, and within that may provide any medical or surgical services within their own skills, education and training, including prescribing, administering, procuring and dispensing drugs and medical devices.

• “Advanced practice registered nursing” means an independent and expanded scope of nursing in a role and population focus approved by the board of nurse registration and nursing education that includes the registered nurse scope of practice and may include, but is not limited to, performing acts of advanced assessment, diagnosing, prescribing, and ordering.

  R.I. Gen. Laws §5-34-3(2) · verified Sep 3, 2026

• “Advanced practice registered nurse” (APRN) is the title given to an individual licensed to practice advanced practice registered nursing within one of the following roles: certified nurse practitioner (CNP), certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA) as defined in chapter 34.2 of this title, or certified clinical nurse specialist (CNS), and who functions in a population focus. An APRN may serve as a primary- or acute-care provider of record.

  R.I. Gen. Laws §5-34-3(1) · verified Sep 3, 2026

• Each APRN is accountable to patients, the nursing profession, and the board of nursing for complying with the requirements of this chapter and the quality of advanced nursing care rendered; recognizing limits of knowledge and experience; planning for the management of situations beyond the APRN's expertise; and for consulting with or referring patients to other healthcare providers as appropriate.

  R.I. Gen. Laws §5-34-3(2) · verified Sep 3, 2026

• Physician assistants shall practice in collaboration with physicians. A physician assistant may provide any medical or surgical services that are within the physician assistant's skills, education, and training. Physician assistants may perform those duties and responsibilities consistent with the limitations of this section, including prescribing, administering, procuring, and dispensing of drugs and medical devices.

  R.I. Gen. Laws §5-54-8(a) · verified Sep 3, 2026

Recent Rhode Island changes

• RI H7721: Establishes the Rhode Island Ban on the Corporate Practice of Medicine Act.Feb 12, 2026
• RI H5351: Mandates cosmetic medical procedures be performed by a physician, PA, APRN, or delegated to a qualified non-physician, non-PA or non-APRN under the supervision of a physician, physician assistant, or advanced practice registered nurse.Jun 30, 2025
• RI S2870: Provides that the performance of cosmetic medical services is the practice of medicine and surgery.Mar 22, 2024