Checking a doctor
The Rhode Island health department’s physician page links to a free doctor-licence lookup.
The state grants permission to practise through a licence. A physician is a doctor. On the state page, follow the link to check the doctor’s licence.
The Board of Medical Licensure and Discipline is the office within Rhode Island’s health department that licenses doctors and handles discipline.
Discipline means a penalty for breaking professional rules. Read why any penalty was imposed.
- Match the full name, not just the first name.
- Check whether the licence is current and whether it has limits.
- Read any listed penalty or limit on the doctor’s licence.
What can a public profile tell me?
Rhode Island law checked September 30, 2026 requires public doctor profiles to show recent final penalties for breaking professional rules. They must also show payments after claims of harm from care, including money awarded or agreed to end a dispute.
The law also says a profile must not be the only basis for choosing a doctor.
- Ask about experience with your particular health concern.
- Ask how treatment choices will be explained.
- Notice whether your questions receive clear answers.
Checking someone who is not a doctor
A physician assistant is a licensed health professional who treats patients while working with doctors.
Rhode Island’s health department has a separate licensing page for physician assistants.
Its nursing page points readers to Nursys, a national nursing-licence check.
- Use the page for the licence the person actually holds.
- Ask the health department which licensing office can explain an unclear record.
- Check the pharmacy separately from the person prescribing.