Health & Medical in Rhode Island
Key Rhode Island Law
Rhode Island General Laws Section 9-1-14.1
Rhode Island requires medical malpractice claims to be filed within three years of the act or omission, or three years from discovery, under R.I. Gen. Laws § 9-1-14.1.
View official statuteProcedural Details in Rhode Island
Rhode Island Agencies & Resources
Rhode Island Board of Medical Licensure and Discipline
Licenses and disciplines physicians in Rhode Island; investigates complaints about professional conduct.
Rhode Island Department of Health
Oversees hospital licensing and patient safety in Rhode Island.
Rhode Island Division of Insurance Regulation
Regulates health insurance and handles consumer complaints in Rhode Island.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the statute of limitations for medical malpractice in Rhode Island?
R.I. Gen. Laws § 9-1-14.1 provides three years from the act or discovery. Rhode Island also requires submission to a medical malpractice screening panel under § 9-19-34 before filing in civil court, which tolls the SOL during the panel process.
Does Rhode Island require a pre-suit screening panel?
Yes. Under R.I. Gen. Laws § 9-19-34, malpractice claims must be submitted to a three-member screening panel (an attorney, a physician, and a layperson) before a civil lawsuit may be filed. The panel issues a non-binding opinion. The SOL is tolled during the panel proceedings.
Does Rhode Island cap non-economic damages in malpractice?
Rhode Island does not have a statutory cap on non-economic damages in medical malpractice cases. Juries determine appropriate compensation for pain, suffering, and other non-economic losses.
How do I file a complaint against a physician in Rhode Island?
Complaints against physicians may be filed with the Rhode Island Board of Medical Licensure and Discipline through the Department of Health at health.ri.gov. The Board investigates and may impose conditions, suspend, or revoke a physician's license. Board proceedings are separate from the screening panel and civil litigation.
Related Health & Medical Scenarios
Can I sue over incorrect or excessive medical bills?
Legal options when you receive incorrect, inflated, or surprise medical bills that violate billing regulations or the No Surprises Act.
Can I sue for wrongful death caused by medical negligence?
Legal options when a family member dies due to medical negligence, surgical errors, or hospital failures.
Can I sue for a medication or prescription error?
Legal options when pharmacy errors, wrong dosages, dangerous drug interactions, or failure to warn causes patient harm.
Can I sue for delayed cancer diagnosis?
Legal options when a physician's failure to timely diagnose cancer results in disease progression and reduced treatment options.
Have a Specific Situation in Rhode Island?
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