Rhode IslandS28612026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

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

Sponsored By: Peter A. Appollonio, Jr. (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

16 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 3 costs, 11 mixed.

Physician assistants get yearly renewal reminders

The administrator sends a renewal reminder by March 1 each year to licensees under the chapter. This replaces the old mailed application step and helps you avoid an accidental lapse.

All changes take effect upon passage

This law is in force now. All provisions take effect upon passage.

Chiropractors must register and pay yearly

Each October, chiropractors must register their name, address, and business and pay the set fee. The certificate covers the next fiscal year. Fees for exams and registration go to the state’s general revenues.

Funeral licenses: renewals and late fees

The division sends renewal forms by November 15. File and pay by December 31. If you file between January 1 and January 15, you must also pay a late fee. Acting as a funeral director or operating a funeral home with a lapsed license is punishable.

Hospitals pay annual board registration fee

Hospitals must apply and pay an annual fee by December 1 to operate. The director sets the form and fee by rule. The law keeps the same ratio between hospital per‑bed fees and combined physician fees as of January 1, 1987. All fees go to the state’s general revenues.

Applied behavior analyst fees and reminders

You get a renewal notice by May 1 of even years. File by June 30 and pay $150. Renewals start July 1 and run to the next June 30. If you miss the deadline, reinstatement requires the current renewal fee plus an extra $40.

Counselor and therapist renewals and CE proof

You get a renewal reminder by May 1 of even years. Renewals for clinical mental health counselors and marriage and family therapists take effect July 1 and last 24 months. You must verify required continuing education. If lapsed, you must pay the current renewal and any reinstatement fee and show education; after four years lapsed, reinstatement is up to the board.

Dental renewals and continuing education rules

The board sends dental renewal materials by May 1 of even years. Apply by June 30; renewals run July 1 to June 30 two years later. Certificates not renewed with the fee by July 1 expire. Reinstatement needs the current fee plus an additional fee. You must show required continuing education; one six‑month hardship extension is allowed.

Nurse renewals and 10-hour CE rule

Nurses due to renew get a reminder by January 1. Renewals take effect March 2 and last two years, ending March 1. You must show 10 hours of continuing education from the past two years; one six‑month hardship extension is allowed. Practicing with a lapsed license is illegal and can lead to penalties.

Occupational therapy renewals and inactive option

OTs and OTAs must renew by March 31 of even years and show 20 hours of continuing education. Renewals start March 31 and last two years. You can request inactive status to avoid fees while not practicing. Reinstatement requires the current renewal fee and any additional fee.

Physical therapist renewals and 24 CE hours

Physical therapists get renewal reminders by March 1. File by March 31 of even years and show 24 hours of continuing education from the past two years. Renewal runs May 2 to May 1 of the next even year. Using the title while lapsed can lead to penalties. Reinstatement needs the current renewal fee plus any extra fee in law.

Physician biannual registration timing clarified

The board sends a registration reminder by March 1. Physicians must file by June 1 for the next two years. Registration runs July 1 to June 30 two years later. Any “annual” references in the chapter now mean biannual registration.

Psychologist renewal reminders and deadlines

Psychologists get a renewal reminder by May 1 of even years. File your renewal and pay the fee by June 30. Renewals start July 1 and run to the next June 30. If your license lapses, you must pay the current renewal fee and any reinstatement fee.

Salon and barber renewals and ID rule

If your license is due this year, the regulator sends a notice by September 1. File your renewal and pay the fee by October 15. The renewed license starts October 1 and lasts two years, ending September 30. If you miss the deadline, you can reinstate by paying the current renewal fee. You must carry your license on you whenever you are working.

Unlicensed care: who can work for pay

People may offer unlicensed health care services for pay under this chapter. The law adds Qi Gong energy healing to the list and removes naturopathy. Licensed medical acts remain outside this chapter and must follow their own licensing rules.

Veterinarian renewals, CE hours, and penalties

The department sends vet renewal reminders by March 1 every two years. File your renewal and pay the fee by May 1 of even years. The renewal is good from May 2 to May 1 of the next even year. You must show required continuing education; one six‑month hardship extension is allowed. Using the title while lapsed can lead to penalties; reinstatement requires the current fee plus an additional fee.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Peter A. Appollonio, Jr.
Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

John P. Burke
Democratic • Senate
Alana M. DiMario
Democratic • Senate
Andrew R. Dimitri
Democratic • Senate
Matthew L. LaMountain
Democratic • Senate
Tiara T. Mack
Democratic • Senate
Todd M. Patalano
Democratic • Senate
Brian J. Thompson
Democratic • Senate
Jessica de la Cruz
Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 137 • No: 0

House vote • 6/4/2026

BARBERS HAIRDRESSERS PASSAGE IN CONCURRENCE

Yes: 63 • No: 0

Senate vote • 5/27/2026

BUSINESSES/PROFESSIONS--BARBERS, HAIRDRESSERS, COSMETICIANS Passage

Yes: 37 • No: 0