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6/30/2026
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Electronic shift platforms available for healthcare workers to streamline scheduling under new state law
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STATE HOUSE — Legislation introduced by Rep. Evan P. Shanley and Sen. Jacob E. Bissaillon that allows for the use of shift platforms for healthcare workers has been signed into law.
The Healthcare Worker Platform Act (2026-H 7030B, 2026-S 2107A) allows for healthcare worker platforms through which workers can accept one or more shifts to perform services at a healthcare facility.
“With staffing shortages plaguing the entire healthcare industry, this provides additional options for workers to book shifts directly with healthcare facilities,” said Representative Shanley (D-Dist. 24, Warwick, East Greenwich). “Empowering professionals such as CNAs, LPNs and RNs to quickly and efficiently find short-term engagements with the simple use of an app is a cost-efficient way to address worker shortages. It also helps the health care facilities by creating a pool of talent for them to access.”
Electronic shift platforms are digital workforce management tools designed to streamline scheduling, communication, and time tracking for hourly or shift-based teams, allowing managers to create schedules, manage shift swaps, and track attendance, while providing employees with visibility into their shifts and tools to request time off.
“This will make it easier for the workforce to schedule their shifts,” said Senator Bissaillon (D-Dist. 1, Providence). “Many individuals who work in healthcare often have to cobble together several part-time jobs. This will reduce the staffing burden on the industry and make it easier for the workforce to do their scheduling in a more flexible way. This reduces barriers for them by promoting greater worker involvement in scheduling.”
Under the terms of the legislation, the Department of Health will promulgate rules and regulations that would require the licensure of each healthcare worker platform that operates or offers a platform within the state.
After hearing testimony on the legislation, the House Committee on Health and Human Services amended the bill to include the requirement of background checks, worker and patient protections, inspections by the Department of Health, and annual reports.
For more information, contact:
Daniel Trafford, Publicist
State House Room 20
Providence, RI 02903
(401)222-1922
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