Except as otherwise provided in this section, a review by the health services council of an application for an initial license or a license in the case of a proposed change in the owner, operator, or lessee of any licensed health care facility may not be made subject to any criterion unless the criterion directly relates to the statutory purpose expressed in § 23-17-3. In conducting reviews of the applications, the health services council shall specifically consider:
(1) The character, commitment, competence, and standing in the community of the proposed owners, operators, or directors of the health care facility;(2) In cases of initial licensure or of proposed change in owner, operator, or lessee, the extent to which the facility will provide or will continue to provide, without material effect on its viability at the time of initial licensure or of change of owner, operator, or lessee, safe and adequate treatment for individuals receiving the health care facility's services;(3) The extent to which the facility will provide or will continue to provide safe and adequate treatment for individuals receiving the health care facility's services; and(4) The extent to which the facility will provide or will continue to provide appropriate access with respect to traditionally underserved populations and in consideration of the proposed continuation or termination of health care services by the health care facility.R.I. Gen. Laws § 23-17-14.3
P.L. 1984, ch. 134, §2; P.L. 1996 , ch. 433, § 3.