Rhode Island Whistleblower Law
Whistleblower protections based on state statute.
Court Decision:
- New England Stone, LLC v. Conte et al., 962 A.2d 30 (R.I. 2009)
Statutes:
- Rhode Island Whistleblower Protection Act, RI Gen L § 28-50-1–9 (general protection)
- RI Gen L § 23-17.11-11 (nurses)
- RI Gen L § 27-18-45 (health services)
- RI Gen L § 27-20-32 (nonprofit medical)
- RI Gen L § 27-54-7 (insurance fraud)
- RI Gen L § 36-14-5 (public officers)
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Rhode Island have a False Claims Act (FCA)?
Yes. Rhode Island’s False Claims Act covers many types of fraud beyond healthcare fraud.
Does the Rhode Island FCA have a whistleblower provision?
Yes. In Rhode Island, a false claims whistleblower may receive an award of 15 to 25 percent of the collections in cases where the state intervenes and 25 to 30 percent in cases where there is no state intervention.
Does Rhode Island recognize the public policy exception for wrongful termination?
Yes. Employers cannot require employees to perform tasks that act against general public interest or are in violation of state or federal law.
