Rhode Island § 5-54-5 - Physician Assistants
Full text of Rhode Island Rhode Island General Laws § 5-54-5 — Physician Assistants, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 5-54-5. Physician Assistants
R.I. Gen. Laws § 5-54-5
§ 5-54-5. Board of licensure.
(a) The director of the department of health, with the approval of the governor, shall appoint a board consisting of seven (7) persons, residents of the state, to constitute a board of licensure for physician assistants with the duties, powers, and authority as stated in this chapter, and that board shall be composed of the following:
(1) Two (2) members shall be licensed physicians under the provisions of chapter 37 of this title who have been actively engaged in the practice of medicine;
(2) [Deleted by P.L. 2019, ch. 197, § 1 and P.L. 2019, ch. 230, § 1.]
(3) Two (2) members who are representatives of the general public not employed in any health-related field; and
(4) Three (3) members shall be physician assistants.
(b) Members shall be appointed for terms of three (3) years each. No member shall be appointed to more than two (2) consecutive terms. Upon expiration of the term of office, a member shall continue to serve until a successor is appointed and qualified.
(c) In the director’s initial appointment, the director shall designate the members of the board of licensure for physician assistants as follows: two (2) members to serve for terms of three (3) years; two (2) members to serve for a term of two (2) years; and three (3) members to serve for a term of one year. Any additional appointments shall serve for one year.
(d) The director of the department of health may remove any member of the board for cause.
(e) Vacancies shall be filled for the unexpired portion of any term in the same manner as the original appointment.
History of Section.
P.L. 1976, ch. 274, § 1; P.L. 1982, ch. 94, § 1; P.L. 1991, ch. 72, § 1; P.L. 1991,
ch. 358, § 1; P.L. 1995, ch. 42, § 1; P.L. 2000, ch. 364, § 1; P.L. 2000, ch. 516,
§ 1; P.L. 2004, ch. 119, § 1; P.L. 2004, ch. 152, § 1; P.L. 2019, ch. 197, § 1; P.L.
2019, ch. 230, § 1; P.L. 2025, ch. 134, § 9, effective June 24, 2025; P.L. 2025, ch.
135, § 9, effective June 24, 2025.
Source: official Rhode Island text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Rhode Island § 5-54-5
What does Rhode Island General Laws § 5-54-5 cover?
Section 5-54-5 ("Physician Assistants") 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 § 5-54-5?
A common citation format is "Rhode Island General Laws § 5-54-5" (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 § 5-54-5 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.