Rhode Island General Laws Title 23. Health and Safety § 23-17.23-1. Legislative findings

(1) There is a growing shortage of qualified nurses and healthcare professionals available to meet the needs of patients in healthcare facilities in Rhode Island as documented in the report “Help wanted:  The growing crisis in Rhode Island's nursing workforce” prepared by Rhode Island shape foundation;

(2) Healthcare facilities serving the citizens of the state are experiencing increasing difficulty in attracting nurses to administer to their patients;

(3) Quality health care depends, in part, on the availability of nurses and healthcare professionals;

(4) It is in the public interest and essential to the welfare and well-being of the inhabitants of the state that there be a sufficient number of nurses and healthcare workers in the state to serve the healthcare needs of patients;  and

(5) It is vital to the welfare of the state's citizenry that incentives be provided to attract and retain nurses and healthcare professionals to provide service in healthcare facilities throughout the state.