Rhode Island § 5-34-50 - Nurses

§ 5-34-50. APRN restrictive covenants void.

(a) Any contract or agreement that creates or establishes the terms of a partnership, employment, or any other form of professional relationship with an advanced practice registered nurse (“APRN”) licensed to practice pursuant to § 5-34-45 that includes any restriction of the right of the APRN to practice shall be void and unenforceable with respect to said restriction; provided, however, that nothing herein shall render void or unenforceable the remaining provisions of any such contract or agreement.

(b) Restrictions rendered void under subsection (a) of this section shall include, but shall not be limited to, the following:

(1) The right to practice in any geographic area for any period of time after the termination of the partnership or professional relationship;

(2) The right of an APRN to provide treatment, advise, consult with, or establish a professional relationship with any current patient of the employer; and

(3) The right of an APRN to solicit or seek to establish a professional relationship with any current patient of the employer.

(c) Notwithstanding the foregoing, the prohibition on advanced practice registered nurse covenants shall not apply in connection with the purchase and sale of a practice; provided the restrictive covenant and non-compete covenant is for a period of time of not more than five (5) years.