Rhode Island § 5-37-12 - Board of Medical Licensure and Discipline
Full text of Rhode Island Rhode Island General Laws § 5-37-12 — Board of Medical Licensure and Discipline, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 5-37-12. Board of Medical Licensure and Discipline
R.I. Gen. Laws § 5-37-12
§ 5-37-12. Unauthorized practice of medicine.
Any person who is not lawfully authorized to practice medicine within this state, and registered according to law, who practices medicine or surgery or attempts to practice medicine or surgery, or any of the branches of medicine or surgery, after having received or with the intent of receiving, either directly or indirectly, any bonus, gift, or compensation, or who opens an office with intent to practice medicine, or holds himself or herself out to the public as a practitioner of medicine, whether by appending to his or her name the title of doctor or any abbreviation, or M.D., or any other title or designation implying a practitioner of medicine, or in any other way, shall be imprisoned not more than three (3) years, or fined not more than one thousand dollars ($1,000), or shall suffer both fine and imprisonment; and in no case when any provision of this chapter has been violated shall the person violating these provisions be entitled to receive compensation for services rendered.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 165, § 8; P.L. 1901, ch. 926, § 4; G.L. 1909, ch. 193, § 8; G.L. 1923,
ch. 159, § 8; P.L. 1927, ch. 1029, § 3; G.L. 1938, ch. 275, § 8; G.L. 1956, § 5-37-12;
P.L. 1964, ch. 193, § 1.
Source: official Rhode Island text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Rhode Island § 5-37-12
What does Rhode Island General Laws § 5-37-12 cover?
Section 5-37-12 ("Board of Medical Licensure and Discipline") 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 § 5-37-12?
A common citation format is "Rhode Island General Laws § 5-37-12" (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 § 5-37-12 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.