Rhode Island § 23-17-54 - Licensing of Healthcare Facilities
Full text of Rhode Island Rhode Island General Laws § 23-17-54 — Licensing of Healthcare Facilities, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 23-17-54. Licensing of Healthcare Facilities
R.I. Gen. Laws § 23-17-54
§ 23-17-54. Provisions of interpreter services.
(a) Every hospital and freestanding emergency-care facility shall, as a condition of initial or continued licensure, provide a qualified interpreter, if an appropriate bilingual clinician is not available to translate, in connection with all services provided to every non-English speaker who is a patient or seeks appropriate care and treatment and is not accompanied or represented by an appropriate, qualified interpreter or a qualified sign-language interpreter who has attained at least sixteen (16) years of age.
(b) Each hospital and freestanding emergency-care facility shall post a multi-lingual notice in conspicuous places setting forth the requirement in subsection (a) in English and the, at minimum, three (3) most-common foreign languages used by the hospital or freestanding emergency-care facility as determined by the hospital or freestanding emergency-care facility.
(c) The receipt by a non-English speaker of interpreter services shall not be deemed the receipt of a benefit under any provisions of law restricting benefits or assistance on the basis of immigrant status.
(d) Nothing in this section shall be construed to affect or limit any rights, remedies, or obligations under chapter 24 of title 11 or under chapters 87 or 112 of title 42.
History of Section.
P.L. 2001, ch. 88, § 2; P.L. 2001, ch. 253, § 2; P.L. 2016, ch. 417, § 1; P.L. 2016,
ch. 418, § 1.
Source: official Rhode Island text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Rhode Island § 23-17-54
What does Rhode Island General Laws § 23-17-54 cover?
Section 23-17-54 ("Licensing of Healthcare Facilities") is part of the Rhode Island General Laws, the codified statutory law of Rhode Island. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Rhode Island § 23-17-54?
A common citation format is "Rhode Island General Laws § 23-17-54" (Rhode Island). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Rhode Island law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Rhode Island official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Rhode Island attorney.
How does Rhode Island § 23-17-54 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Rhode Island can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Rhode Island.