§ 23-17.14-29. Whistleblower protections.
(a) Prohibition against discrimination. No person subject to the provisions of this chapter, may discharge, demote, threaten or otherwise discriminate against any person or employee with respect to compensation, terms, conditions, or privileges of employment as a reprisal because the person or employee (or any person acting pursuant to the request of the employee) provided or attempted to provide information to the director or his or her designee or to the attorney general or his or her designee regarding possible violation of this chapter.
(b) Enforcement. Any person or employee or former employee subject to the provisions of this chapter who believes that he or she has been discharged or discriminated against in violation of subsection (a) may file a civil action within three (3) years of the date of discharge or discrimination.
(c) Remedies. If the court determines that a violation has occurred, the court may order the person who committed the violation to:
(1) Reinstate the employee to the employee’s former position;
(2) Pay compensatory damages, costs of litigation and attorneys’ fees; and/or
(3) Take other appropriate actions to remedy any past discrimination.
(d) Limitation. The protections of this section shall not apply to any person or employee who:
(1) Deliberately causes or participates in the alleged violation of law or regulation; or
(2) Knowingly or recklessly provides substantially false information to the director or his or her designee.
History of Section.P.L. 1997, ch. 372, § 1.
Structure Rhode Island General Laws
Chapter 23-17.14 - The Hospital Conversions Act
Section 23-17.14-1. - Short title.
Section 23-17.14-2. - Findings.
Section 23-17.14-3. - Purpose of provisions.
Section 23-17.14-4. - Definitions.
Section 23-17.14-9. - Initial application — Conversions limited to not-for-profit corporations.
Section 23-17.14-12. - [Repealed.]
Section 23-17.14-13. - Reports, use of experts, costs.
Section 23-17.14-14. - Investigations — Notice to attend — Court order to appear — Contempt.
Section 23-17.14-15. - Charity care requirements.
Section 23-17.14-16. - Gag rules prohibited.
Section 23-17.14-17. - Perjury.
Section 23-17.14-18. - Prior approval — Closings or significant reduction of medical services.
Section 23-17.14-20. - Licensing fees.
Section 23-17.14-21. - No derogation of attorney general.
Section 23-17.14-23. - Powers and duties of the board.
Section 23-17.14-24. - Personal liability excluded.
Section 23-17.14-25. - Implementation.
Section 23-17.14-26. - Annual report.
Section 23-17.14-27. - General powers and limitations.
Section 23-17.14-28. - Concurrent approval — License.
Section 23-17.14-29. - Whistleblower protections.
Section 23-17.14-30. - Failure to comply — Penalties.
Section 23-17.14-31. - Powers of the department of health.
Section 23-17.14-32. - Powers of the attorney general.
Section 23-17.14-33. - Severability.
Section 23-17.14-34. - Judicial review.
Section 23-17.14-35. - Court-approved settlements.
Section 23-17.14-36. - Hospital conversion monitoring account.