(a)(1)  Subject to the approval of the director, the board has the power to adopt and amend all bylaws and rules of procedure, not inconsistent with the constitution and laws of this state or this chapter, which may be reasonably necessary for the proper performance of its duties.

(2)  The board shall adopt and have an official seal, which is affixed to each certificate issued.

Terms Used In Rhode Island General Laws 5-8-8

  • Damages: Money paid by defendants to successful plaintiffs in civil cases to compensate the plaintiffs for their injuries.
  • Injunction: An order of the court prohibiting (or compelling) the performance of a specific act to prevent irreparable damage or injury.
  • Jurisdiction: (1) The legal authority of a court to hear and decide a case. Concurrent jurisdiction exists when two courts have simultaneous responsibility for the same case. (2) The geographic area over which the court has authority to decide cases.
  • seal: shall be construed to include an impression of the seal made with or without the use of wax or wafer on the paper. See Rhode Island General Laws 43-3-15
  • Subpoena: A command to a witness to appear and give testimony.

(b)  In carrying into effect the provisions of this chapter, the board, under the hand of its chairperson and the seal of the board, may recommend that the director subpoena witnesses and compel their attendance, and also may recommend that the director order the submission of books, papers, documents, or other pertinent data, in any disciplinary matters, or in any case in which a violation of this chapter or chapter 84 of this title is alleged. Upon failure or refusal to comply with that order, or upon failure to honor the subpoena, as provided in this section, the director may apply to a court of any jurisdiction to enforce compliance with that order or subpoena.

(c)  Either on his or her own initiative or on the recommendation of the board, the director is authorized in the name of the state to apply for relief by injunction in the established manner provided in cases of civil procedure, without bond, to enforce the provisions of this chapter, or to restrain any violation of the provisions of this chapter. In injunction proceedings, it shall not be necessary to allege or prove either that an adequate remedy at law does not exist or that substantial or irreparable damage would result from the continued violation. The department and members of the board are not personally liable under this proceeding.

(d)  The state shall indemnify the department and board and the members, employees, or agents thereof, and hold them harmless from, any and all costs, damages, and reasonable attorney’s fees arising from or related in any way to claims or actions or other legal proceedings taken against them for any actions taken in good faith in the intended performance of any power granted under this chapter or for any neglect or default in the performance or exercise in good faith of that power.

History of Section.
P.L. 1990, ch. 330, § 2; P.L. 2013, ch. 298, § 2; P.L. 2013, ch. 378, § 2.