Rhode Island requires safety checks and licensing for healthcare shift platforms

Healthcare shift platforms must obtain a Rhode Island Department of Health license when the licensing requirement begins. The rules cover businesses running electronic services where healthcare workers accept shifts at healthcare facilities. These platforms are excluded from the nursing service agency category. Covered platforms cannot require particular shifts or prevent workers from taking other work. They cannot offer shifts with Rhode Island-licensed home nursing providers, home care providers, or hospices. The department may charge $1,000 per year for a license. Operating without the required license can bring a fine up to $5,000, up to one year in jail, or both for each offense. The licensing section uses after September 1, 2027, or by the department’s licensing date, whichever is later.

Licensed platforms must verify workers’ qualifications and ensure required training, health standards, and insurance coverage. The protections cover workers using licensed platforms. Nursing assistants must complete required training before booking shifts. Workers must hold the required active license or registration in good standing and meet applicable health requirements. Platforms must certify nursing assistants’ training, including orientation and at least three hours of training each quarter. Platforms must maintain occupational accident insurance or verify workers’ compensation coverage for booked shifts. They must also maintain general and professional liability insurance. Platforms remain responsible regardless of whether workers are employees or contractors. National background checks must begin before workers accept any shift.

Platforms cannot charge workers or facilities for a facility’s permanent hiring of a worker who books shifts through the platform. The hiring-fee ban covers facilities that post shifts and workers who book shifts through the platform. Platforms cannot actively recruit potential contractors from a facility with which they have an active contract. Platforms must follow the Department of Health’s maximum rates or added charges under the referenced nursing service agency law. Platforms cannot arrange their operations, contracts, or worker classifications to avoid requirements of the nursing service agency law.

Platforms must submit annual reports and keep worker records available for Department of Health inspections. Reports cover worker pay, facility charges, and worker counts, including workers removed from platforms or reported to state authorities. Reports of facility charges must omit facility identities. Required health examination records must remain confidential. Worker violations of the public health code must be tracked and made public. Platforms must keep records of violations during shifts booked through them. The Long-Term Care Coordinating Council must develop platform standards and a formula for ranking platforms for public accountability. Statistical reports are required annually.