Rhode IslandH78362026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

AN ACT RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS -- BARBERS, HAIRDRESSERS, COSMETICIANS, MANICURISTS, AND ESTHETICIANS .

Sponsored By: Joshua J. Giraldo (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

6 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 1 costs, 5 mixed.

Fixed ABA renewal and reinstatement fees

Applied behavior analysts renew every two years. You must pay a $150 renewal fee by June 30 in even years. Renewals take effect July 1 and cover two years. If your license lapses, reinstatement adds $40 on top of the current renewal fee. You must show board‑approved continuing education.

New dates for physician registration and hospital fees

The board sends physician registration reminders by March 1. Doctors must file and pay by June 1. Registrations run July 1 to June 30 for two years. Hospitals must apply and pay by December 1 each year. The law keeps the same ratio between hospital per‑bed fees and total physician fees that existed on January 1, 1987.

Unified renewal and CE for health licenses

Many health licenses now follow set two‑year cycles, reminders, and due dates. Examples: veterinarians renew by May 1 in even years; dentists and hygienists by June 30 in even years; physician assistants by June 1; physical and occupational therapists by March 31 in even years; psychologists by June 30; counselors and marriage and family therapists renew July 1; nurses get reminders by January 1 and renew for two years starting March 2. Renewal often requires continuing education: 24 hours for physical therapists, 20 hours for occupational therapists, 10 hours for nurses, and board‑approved CE for psychologists and counselors. Some boards may grant a one‑time six‑month CE extension for hardship. If a license lapses, reinstatement requires paying the current renewal fee plus an extra fee set in § 23‑1‑54. Using protected professional titles while lapsed can lead to penalties, and reinstatement after four years for counselors or MFTs is at the board’s discretion.

Funeral licenses: renewal and late fees

The state sends renewal forms by November 15. Funeral directors, embalmers, and establishments must file and pay by December 31. Filing from January 1 through January 15 adds a late fee set by the state schedule. Working while lapsed can bring penalties.

New renewal dates for cosmetology licenses

The state sends renewal notices by September 1. You must file your application and pay by October 15. Renewals take effect October 1 and last two years, ending September 30. You must have your license with you while working. Fees and any late or reinstatement charges follow the state fee schedule.

Rules for unlicensed health care services

The law lists which non‑licensed healing services are allowed, like Reiki and Qi Gong. It excludes things like surgery, x‑rays, prescribing drugs, acupuncture, chiropractic, and dentistry. Unlicensed practitioners may work for pay but cannot give a medical diagnosis. Licensed professionals who offer these services stay under their own boards. Food and supplement marketing and education are not covered by this chapter.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Joshua J. Giraldo
Democratic • House

Cosponsors

Karen Alzate
Democratic • House
Cherie L. Cruz
Democratic • House
Susan R. Donovan
Democratic • House
David Morales
Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 72 • No: 0

House vote • 5/12/2026

BARBERS, HAIRDRESSERS, PASSAGE