It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

SECTION 1. Section 23-17-4 of the General Laws in Chapter 23-17 entitled "Licensing of Health Care Facilities" is hereby amended to read as follows:

23-17-4. License required for health care facility operation. -- No person acting severally or jointly with any other person shall establish, conduct, or maintain a health care facility in this state without a license under this chapter. provided, however, that any person, firm, corporation or other entity which provides volunteer registered and licensed practical nurses to the public shall not be required to have a license as a health care facility.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.