Rhode Island General Laws Title 16. Education § 16-16-6.4. Service credit for appropriate work experience--Certified nurse teachers--Contributions

(a) In determining the creditable service of any certified nurse teacher employed by the state or by any city or town for the purpose of retirement or a service retirement allowance (not including a deferred retirement allowance), there may be added to, and included in, total service as defined in this chapter not more than four (4) years of “appropriate work experience.” The service shall not be counted as creditable service unless the member shall pay into the retirement system a contribution equal to the full actuarial costs for each year of the service for which the member claims credit.

(b) Credit for “appropriate work experience” which is purchased under paragraph (a) above may also be used for retirement purposes under the provisions of subsection (a) for certified nurse teachers who retire on ordinary disability under § 36-10-13 or § 16-16-14, provided the certified nurse teachers have at least ten (10) years' creditable service.

(c) The term “appropriate work experience” for the purposes of a certified nurse teacher means service in any industry, business, or other appropriate enterprise where a member has worked as a registered nurse and for which no credit for the purposes of retirement has been granted for either teaching in a school of nursing or for any other appropriate work experience; provided, however, that no member shall be allowed credit for more than a total of four (4) years of service credit.