Where and with whom care happens
At a clinic, you can discuss care in the same room as the person seeing you. Telehealth means discussing care remotely, such as by video or phone.
The Rhode Island physician rule checked on September 30, 2026 applies the same care standard to remote and face-to-face treatment.
- Ask who carries out the assessment.
- Ask how the service decides whether a visit in person is needed.
- Ask who receives your records if care moves elsewhere.
What if I see a nurse practitioner?
Nurse practitioners have nursing training plus further training to assess and treat health problems.
Under Rhode Island law checked September 30, 2026, a nurse practitioner may assess and prescribe without a supervising doctor, within their licensed role.
- Ask for the person’s full name and type of licence.
- Ask whether your concern falls within their work.
- Use the state nursing page to find the right licence check.
Who else can prescribe medicine?
A physician assistant is a licensed health professional who treats patients while working with doctors.
As of September 30, 2026, Rhode Island physician assistants could prescribe medicine while working with doctors.
A doctor must be available whenever the physician assistant needs to discuss a patient’s care.
- Ask how a doctor joins the discussion when needed.
- Ask who follows your progress.
- Look up the person rather than relying on the service name.