reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-64.1 - Commission for Health Advocacy and Equity › Section 23-64.1-5. - Powers and duties.

§ 23-64.1-5. Powers and duties.
(a)
The commission shall be empowered to:
(1)
Review and comment on any proposed state legislation and regulations that would affect the health of populations in the state experiencing racial, ethnic, cultural, socio-economic or linguistic disparities in health status;
(2)
Educate appropriate state agencies on health disparities, including social factors that play a role in creating or maintaining these disparities;
(3)
Advise the director of the department of health on issues relating to health disparities and advocate for the integration and coordination of all activities of the state to achieve health equity. In providing such advice, the commission shall carry on a continuous assessment process to:
(i)
Determine the current health status among populations experiencing racial, ethnic, cultural, or socio-economic health disparities;
(ii)
Recommend strategies for health promotion and disease prevention;
(iii)
Identify problems in service delivery to populations experiencing racial, ethnic, cultural, or socio-economic health disparities; and
(iv)
Recommend solutions for improving the operation and efficiency of service delivery programs targeting populations experiencing racial, ethnic, cultural, or socio-economic health disparities;
(4)
Advise and provide information to the governor and the general assembly on the state’s policies concerning the health of populations in the state experiencing racial, ethnic, cultural, socio-economic or linguistic disparities in health status;
(5)
Evaluate policies, procedures, activities, and resource allocations to eliminate health status disparities among racial, ethnic and linguistic populations in the state;
(6)
Explore other successful programs in other sectors and states that may diminish or contribute to the elimination of health disparities in the state;
(7)
Draft and recommend proposed legislation, regulations and other policies designed to address disparities in health status;
(8)
Prepare the biennial disparities impact and evaluation report pursuant to § 23-64.1-6; and,
(9)
Have the authority to conduct hearings and interviews, and receive testimony regarding matters pertinent to its mission.
(b)
All departments and agencies of the state shall furnish such advice and information, documentary and otherwise, to said commission and its agents as is deemed necessary or desirable by the commission to facilitate the purposes of this section.
History of Section.
P.L. 2011, ch. 155, § 2; P.L. 2011, ch. 172, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-64.1 - Commission for Health Advocacy and Equity › Section 23-64.1-6. - Disparities impact and evaluation report.

§ 23-64.1-6. Disparities impact and evaluation report.
(a)
Beginning two (2) years after establishment of the commission, and every two (2) years after, the commission shall prepare a disparities impact and evaluation report which shall be posted on the department of health website and the website of the executive office of health and human services, and which shall be delivered to the governor, the speaker of the house, and the president of the senate. The report shall:
(1)
Evaluate the likely positive or negative impact of programs, policies and activities established pursuant to § 23-64.1-4 as they relate to eliminating or reducing health disparities, based on quantifiable measures and evaluation benchmarks.
(2)
Evaluate the state’s progress toward eliminating or reducing racial and ethnic health disparities using the quantifiable measures and benchmarks outlined in subdivision (1).
(b)
The commission shall hold public hearings to receive information to assist in the formation of this disparities impact and evaluation report. The hearings shall be held approximately six (6) months before each yearly evaluation.
History of Section.
P.L. 2011, ch. 155, § 2; P.L. 2011, ch. 172, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-64.1 - Commission for Health Advocacy and Equity › Section 23-64.1-7. - Race, ethnicity, social determinants of health and language data collection coordination.

§ 23-64.1-7. Race, ethnicity, social determinants of health and language data collection coordination.
The commission shall, in consultation with the department of health and other appropriate state agencies, make recommendations for data collection, analysis and dissemination activities by all entities involved in the collection of patient and health care professional information. The commission shall make recommendations for the coordination by the department of health, other agencies, organizations and institutions as needed to design and implement a training curriculum for primary data collectors and disseminate best practices for collection of race, ethnicity, social determinants of health and language data.
History of Section.
P.L. 2011, ch. 155, § 2; P.L. 2011, ch. 172, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-64.1 - Commission for Health Advocacy and Equity › Section 23-64.1-8. - Health workforce diversity and development.

§ 23-64.1-8. Health workforce diversity and development.
The commission shall make recommendations for the coordination of state, local and private sector efforts to develop a more racially and ethnically diverse health care workforce. Such recommendations shall include the evaluation and development of the community health workforce. The commission may make recommendations for the recruitment, assignment, training and employment of community health workers by community-based health and wellness organizations, community-based health agencies, and other appropriate organizations. Community health workers are individuals who have direct knowledge of the communities they serve, and of the social determinants of health, and can assess the range of issues that may impact an individual’s, a family’s or a community’s health and may facilitate improved individual and community well-being and should include, but not be limited to:
(1)
Linking with services for legal challenges to unsafe housing conditions;
(2)
Advocating with various state and local agencies to ensure that the individual/family receives appropriate benefits/services;
(3)
Advocating for the individual/family within the health care system. This could be done in multiple settings (community-based organization, health care setting, legal service setting);
(4)
Connecting the individual or family with the appropriate services/advocacy support to address those issues such as:
(i)
Assisting in the application for public benefits to increase income and access to food and services;
(ii)
Working with community-based health agencies and organizations in assisting individuals who are at-risk for or who have chronic diseases to receive better access to high-quality health care services;
(iii)
Anticipating, identifying and helping patients to overcome barriers within the health care system to ensure prompt diagnostic and treatment resolution of an abnormal finding; and
(iv)
Coordinating with the relevant health programs to provide information to individuals about health coverage, including RItecare and other sources of health coverage;
(5)
Assisting the department of health, other agencies, health clinics, healthcare organizations, community clinics and their providers to implement and promote culturally competent care, effective language access policies, practices and disseminate best practices to state agencies;
(6)
Training of health care providers to help patients/families access appropriate services, including social services, legal services and educational services.
(7)
Advocating for solutions to the challenges and barriers to health that a community may face.
History of Section.
P.L. 2011, ch. 155, § 2; P.L. 2011, ch. 172, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-65 - Board of Certification of Operators of Public Water Supply Facilities › Section 23-65-2. - Board of certification of operators of water supply treatment and distribution facilities.

§ 23-65-2. Board of certification of operators of water supply treatment and distribution facilities.
(a)(1)
There is hereby created within the department of health, a board of certification of operators of public water supply treatment and transmission and distribution facilities to insure the proper management, operation and maintenance of water supply treatment and distribution facilities.
(2)
The board shall be comprised of seven (7) persons, including the director of the department of health, or his or her designee and six (6) members appointed by the governor. Of the appointed members, one shall be a registered professional engineer engaged in the practice of water supply engineering, one shall be from a list of qualified operators of a publicly owned water supply treatment facility in the state which has been recommended by the executive committee of the Rhode Island water works association, one shall be from a list of qualified directors of a water supply facility who has general supervisory authority for a water supply facility which has been recommended by the executive committee of the Rhode Island water works association, one shall be a representative of a labor union, one shall be a representative of business or industry, and one shall be a residential consumer of water.
(b)
Each member of the board shall serve for a term of four (4) years, provided, however, that of the initial members appointed to the board by the governor, two (2) shall be appointed for terms of two (2) years, two (2) shall be appointed for terms of three (3) years, and two (2) shall be appointed for terms of four (4) years. As the term of office of a member of the board expires, his or her successor shall be appointed in like manner for a term of four (4) years provided that a member shall continue to serve until an appointment is made by the governor. Any vacancy shall be filled by the governor for the unexpired term.
(c)
Any member of the board may be removed from office by the governor for good cause.
History of Section.
P.L. 1995, ch. 190, § 1; P.L. 1995, ch. 201, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-65 - Board of Certification of Operators of Public Water Supply Facilities › Section 23-65-3. - Powers and duties of the board.

§ 23-65-3. Powers and duties of the board.
The board established in this chapter shall have the following duties and powers:
(1)
Adopt and amend such rules and regulations with the approval of the director as they deem necessary to carry out the provisions of this chapter;
(2)
Classify all public water supply treatment facilities as to their size and type and establish specifications for certification of operators of each class of public water supply treatment facility and transmission and distribution system;
(3)
Determine by examinations, and from the applicant’s training and experience, the class and type of certificate, if any, the applicant will be issued;
(4)
When taking action with regard to subdivisions (1) and (2), consider generally applicable criteria, regulations and guidelines developed by the association of boards of certification for operating personnel in water utilities;
(5)
Direct the director of health to issue certificates to duly qualified applicants;
(6)
Investigate complaints and charges of unprofessional conduct against any certified operator;
(7)
Direct the director of health to revoke, suspend, or implement other disciplinary action with respect to person issued certifications under this chapter;
(8)
Keep records of its proceedings and of all applications for certification;
(9)
Encourage all operators to attend classes, seminars, and/or other educational programs periodically to keep abreast of changes and advances in the fields of water supply treatment, operation and management;
(10)
Work with the state department of elementary and secondary education to establish various levels of training courses, seminars, and/or other educational programs.
History of Section.
P.L. 1995, ch. 190, § 1; P.L. 1995, ch. 201, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-65 - Board of Certification of Operators of Public Water Supply Facilities › Section 23-65-4. - Director — Powers and duties.

§ 23-65-4. Director — Powers and duties.
The director shall have the following powers and duties:
(1)
To issue, pursuant with rules and regulations promulgated by the board and approved by the director, all licenses, certifications, and registrations required by this chapter to duly qualified applicants;
(2)
To deny licenses, certifications, and registrations, to revoke, suspend or otherwise discipline licensees in accordance with the provisions of this chapter;
(3)
To provide assistance to the board in carrying out the provisions of this chapter by the provision of office space for the meeting of the board, for necessary record-keeping assistance and for clerical and staff assistance;
(4)
To exercise all other powers specifically conferred upon him or her by virtue of the provisions of this chapter or other applicable sections of the general laws of the state.
History of Section.
P.L. 1995, ch. 190, § 1; P.L. 1995, ch. 201, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-65 - Board of Certification of Operators of Public Water Supply Facilities › Section 23-65-5. - Certification of public water supply treatment operators.

§ 23-65-5. Certification of public water supply treatment operators.
It is unlawful for any public water supply system using surface water or groundwater under the direct influence of surface water as determined by the director, or any community or non-community non-transient water supply to supply water for human consumption unless the treatment of the water is under the supervision of a superintendent or assistant superintendent who is assigned direct responsibility for the management, operation, and maintenance of the water supply treatment facility during all working shifts at the facility and who shall hold a certificate equal to the grade or classification of the water supply treatment facility, as established by this chapter. In addition, each operator in charge of a shift at a public water supply system using surface water or groundwater under the direct influence of surface water as determined by the director, or any community or non-community non-transient water supply must hold a certificate no less than one grade below the classification of the treatment facility. All persons employed to work as an operator at a water treatment facility must be certified to at least the lowest grade of treatment plant operation certification within a year of hire. Violation of this section is considered a violation of the public drinking water supply under chapter 13 of title 46 and water systems shall be subject to the enforcement and penalty provisions of § 46-13-16.
History of Section.
P.L. 1995, ch. 190, § 1; P.L. 1995, ch. 201, § 1; P.L. 2000, ch. 286, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-65 - Board of Certification of Operators of Public Water Supply Facilities › Section 23-65-6. - Certification of public water supply transmission and distribution system operators.

§ 23-65-6. Certification of public water supply transmission and distribution system operators.
It is unlawful for any community or non-community non-transient public water supply transmission and distribution system to distribute water for human consumption unless the operation of the system is under the supervision of a superintendent or assistant superintendent who is assigned direct responsibility for the management, operation, and maintenance of the transmission and distribution system during all working shifts of the system and who shall hold a certificate, equal to the grade or classification of the transmission and distribution system, as established by the rules and regulations of the board. In addition, each person in responsible charge of any field operations of a public community or non-community non-transient water supply transmission and distribution system must hold a certificate one grade lower than the grade of the transmission and distribution system, as established by this chapter. All persons employed to work as an operator at a transmission and distribution system must be certified to at least the lowest grade of transmission and distribution certification granted by the board within a year of hire. Violation of this section shall be considered a violation of the public drinking water supply under chapter 13 of title 46 and water systems shall be subject to the enforcement and penalty provisions of § 46-13-16.
History of Section.
P.L. 1995, ch. 190, § 1; P.L. 1995, ch. 201, § 1; P.L. 2000, ch. 286, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-65 - Board of Certification of Operators of Public Water Supply Facilities › Section 23-65-7. - Certification process.

§ 23-65-7. Certification process.
A person who desires to be certified as an operator of a water supply treatment facility or a water transmission and distribution system shall file with the board of certification of operators of water supply facilities, established by this chapter, an application upon a form to be furnished by the board. The applicant shall include in the application his or her qualifications under oath. If the qualifications of the applicant meet or exceed the minimum qualifications established by the board for the certification type and grade for which they have applied, the applicant will be allowed to take a certification examination. Examinations shall be held at least twice each year at a time and place designated by the board. If the applicant passes the examination to the satisfaction of the board, the board shall issue the applicant a certification, which shall be in effect for three years from issuance, and may be renewed at that time, provided the operator is in good stead with the board and all conditions outlined in this chapter concerning continuing education are met. The board may establish, through its rules and regulations, provisions for the issuance of temporary emergency or provisional certification to be effective for a period of no longer than one year for good cause shown.
History of Section.
P.L. 1995, ch. 190, § 1; P.L. 1995, ch. 201, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-65 - Board of Certification of Operators of Public Water Supply Facilities › Section 23-65-8. - Applications.

§ 23-65-8. Applications.
(a)
Application for certification shall be made on forms supplied by the board.
(b)
The board shall review applications and supporting documents, determine the eligibility of the applicant for examination and notify the applicant of the same.
(c)
The fee will not be returned upon failure to pass the examination.
History of Section.
P.L. 1995, ch. 190, § 1; P.L. 1995, ch. 201, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-65 - Board of Certification of Operators of Public Water Supply Facilities › Section 23-65-9. - Fees.

§ 23-65-9. Fees.
A fee will be charged to each applicant submitting an application to the board, and shall be of an amount determined by the board to cover the cost of the examination, but not more than fifty dollars ($50.00), and shall be submitted with the application form. This fee shall be refundable if the applicant is deemed by the board not qualified to take the examination but shall otherwise be nonrefundable. A renewal fee shall be charged to each certificate holder at the time of renewal. The board shall be responsible for setting this fee which will cover only the direct cost of renewal certificate issuance.
History of Section.
P.L. 1995, ch. 190, § 1; P.L. 1995, ch. 201, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-65 - Board of Certification of Operators of Public Water Supply Facilities › Section 23-65-10. - Certification.

§ 23-65-10. Certification.
(a)
Upon satisfactory fulfillment by an applicant of the provisions of this chapter and the rules and regulations adopted by the board, the board shall issue a suitable certificate designating competency. The certificate issued shall indicate the class and type of public water supply facility for which the operator is qualified. Certification shall expire at the end of a three (3) year period, beginning from the date of issuance, and may be renewed at that time, provided the operator is in good stead with board and all conditions outlined in this chapter concerning continuing education are met.
(b)
Certificates may be issued, upon application, without examination, in a comparable classification to any individual who holds a certificate issued by any state, territory or possession of the United States, any country, if in the judgment of the board the requirement for certification of operators under which the individual’s certificate was issued are equivalent to the requirements of this chapter. A certificate issued under the provisions of this subsection is valid at any water supply treatment facility of that grade or classification as specified by the board.
(c)
Certificates will be issued upon application, without examination, to those public water supply treatment plant and distribution system operators employed as of the date of passage of this chapter. However, these certificates shall be issued within the class and type established by the board for the water supply facility or system employing the operator, and at the class certificate required to perform the job currently held by the operator. The certificates granted under this subsection shall not be transferable to any other public water supply facility, and are subject to the renewal conditions of certificates issued by examination or reciprocity.
(d)
Certificates will be issued upon application, without examination, to those public water supply treatment plant and distribution system operators employed, as of July 1, 1999, at any community or non-community non-transient water system not using surface water or groundwater under the direct influence of surface water and which serves less than or equal to five-hundred (500) people. However, these certificates shall be issued within the class and type established by the board for the water supply facility or system employing the operator, and at the class certificate required to perform the job currently held by the operator. The certificates granted under this subsection shall not be transferable to any other public water supply facility, and are subject to the renewal conditions of certificates issued by examination or reciprocity.
History of Section.
P.L. 1995, ch. 190, § 1; P.L. 1995, ch. 201, § 1; P.L. 2000, ch. 286, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-65 - Board of Certification of Operators of Public Water Supply Facilities › Section 23-65-11. - Renewal.

§ 23-65-11. Renewal.
(a)
Renewed certifications to individuals with previously issued certificates may be issued by the board at each three (3) year period following the original issuance. Application for renewal of certification shall be made on forms supplied by the department of health prior to the expiration of the three year certification period.
(b)
The board shall review the applications and supporting documents, and unless errors, improper documentation or other deficiency is noted, the applicant will be granted renewal certification.
(c)
Renewal of certification is dependent on the candidate’s good stead with the board during the prior three (3) year period.
(d)
Renewal for certification is also dependent on the proper completion of continuing education requirements as established by the board.
History of Section.
P.L. 1995, ch. 190, § 1; P.L. 1995, ch. 201, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-65 - Board of Certification of Operators of Public Water Supply Facilities › Section 23-65-12. - Disciplinary actions.

§ 23-65-12. Disciplinary actions.
The board may revoke, suspend or otherwise discipline the holder of a certificate issued under this chapter when it is found that the individual performed his or her duties in a negligent manner that produced a supply below the standards normal for the particular facility operated; or that he or she has practiced fraud or deception; or that reasonable care, judgment or the application of this knowledge or ability was not used in the performance of his or her duties or that an individual is incompetent or unable to perform his or her duties properly or performed duties in violation of chapter 13 of title 46 or regulations promulgated under chapter 13 of title 46. The board must grant a hearing to any operator prior to deliberations regarding or decision of revocation. Appeal from the decision may be made as provided under chapter 35 of title 42.
History of Section.
P.L. 1995, ch. 190, § 1; P.L. 1995, ch. 201, § 1; P.L. 1997, ch. 326, § 49.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-65 - Board of Certification of Operators of Public Water Supply Facilities › Section 23-65-13. - Penalty for violation.

§ 23-65-13. Penalty for violation.
Any person who shall be found guilty of violation of any of the provisions of this chapter or any rules and regulations adopted under this chapter shall be punished by a fine of not more than five hundred dollars ($500) or by imprisonment for not more than thirty (30) days, or both by fine or imprisonment, and every person shall be deemed guilty of a separate and distinct offense for each day during which the violation is repeated or continued.
History of Section.
P.L. 1995, ch. 190, § 1; P.L. 1995, ch. 201, § 1; P.L. 1997, ch. 326, § 49.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-65 - Board of Certification of Operators of Public Water Supply Facilities › Section 23-65-14. - Severability.

§ 23-65-14. Severability.
The provisions of this chapter are severable. If any provisions of this chapter or the application thereof to any person or circumstances is held invalid, the invalidity shall not affect other provisions or applications of this chapter which can be given effect without regard to the invalid provisions or application.
History of Section.
P.L. 1995, ch. 190, § 1; P.L. 1995, ch. 201, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-65 - Board of Certification of Operators of Public Water Supply Facilities › Section 23-65-15. - Excluding requirement of state mandated cost.

§ 23-65-15. Excluding requirement of state mandated cost.
The provisions of §§ 45-13-7 — 45-13-10 shall not apply to this chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 1995, ch. 190, § 1; P.L. 1995, ch. 201, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-66 - Comprehensive Health Risk Assessments › Section 23-66-1. - Legislative findings.

§ 23-66-1. Legislative findings.
The general assembly recognizes and declares that:
(1)
Proper disposal of sewage sludge is important because contaminated or improperly handled sewage sludge can result in pollutants in the environment;
(2)
Improper sewage sludge management could lead to environmental degradation of land and air;
(3)
Concern for air quality necessitates proper controls over sewage sludge incineration;
(4)
Protection of the public health of the residents of Rhode Island is of paramount importance; and
(5)
“Sewage sludge” means solid, semi-solid, or liquid residue generated during the treatment of sewage in a publicly owner treatment works. Sewage sludge includes, but is not limited to, domestic septage; scum or solids removed in primary, secondary, or advanced wastewater treatment processes; and a material derived from sewage sludge. Sewage sludge does not include ash generated during the firing of sewage sludge in a sewage sludge incinerator or grit and screenings generated during preliminary treatment of sewage in a publicly owned treatment works.
(6)
“Sewage sludge incineration facility” means any plant, structure, equipment, and other property, real, personal, or mixed, for the incineration of sewage sludge, or any property or system to be used in whole or in part for the incineration of sewage sludge, whether or not another purpose is also served by it.
(7)
The general assembly declares that in order to protect the public health and welfare, the construction and operation of new sewage sludge incineration facility must be preceded by a comprehensive health risk assessment (hereinafter called the “assessment”).
History of Section.
P.L. 1995, ch. 200, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-66 - Comprehensive Health Risk Assessments › Section 23-66-2. - Assessment.

§ 23-66-2. Assessment.
Any party or parties wishing to construct and operate a new sewage sludge incineration facility (hereinafter called the “proponent”) shall complete an assessment. The assessment shall comply with the requirements listed within this chapter as well as any rules, regulations and/or guidance pertaining to the assessment issued by the department of environmental management.
History of Section.
P.L. 1995, ch. 200, § 1; P.L. 1997, ch. 326, § 50.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-66 - Comprehensive Health Risk Assessments › Section 23-66-3. - Requirements of the assessment.

§ 23-66-3. Requirements of the assessment.
Each assessment shall include, but not be limited to, the following:
(1)
An analysis of ambient air conditions, including but not limited to, levels of lead, mercury, zinc, chromium, arsenic, particulates, nitrogen oxide, and any other pollutants as required by the department of environmental management for major stationary sources.
(2)
A complete air quality impact analysis will be performed using meteorological data as provided by the United States Weather Service or comparable weather services of the state for the five (5) years preceding the date the protocol is approved and the protocol for conducting such an analysis must be submitted to the department of environmental management for their approval; the area of analysis to be determined by the department of environmental management, but in no case shall the area of analysis be less than one thousand (1,000) meters in radius from the location of the proposed sewage sludge incineration facility; and identification of communities predominantly down-wind of the proposed sewage sludge incineration facility.
(3)
The assessment shall include an estimate of planned and reasonably expected stack emission levels including but not limited to heavy metals and related compounds, particulates, arsenic, beryllium, lead, mercury, and nitrogen oxide.
(4)
In the assessment the proponent shall demonstrate that other reasonable or suitable alternate disposal and/or reuse method for the sewage sludge have been examined.
(5)
The assessment shall evaluate the potential for the proposed sewage sludge incineration facility to incinerate materials other than sewage sludge. The proponent must provide a quality control plan for materials to be incinerated by the proposed facility including but not limited to: sewage sludge imported from other communities, sewage service districts, states or countries; and any material to be incinerated other than sewage sludge.
(6)
The assessment shall propose comprehensive plans for emergency conditions including, but not limited to, catastrophic mechanical failure, breakdown and/or fire and shall propose plans for community notification and evacuation in emergency circumstances.
(7)
The assessment shall be prepared by a firm or person with extensive experience in the preparation of environmental and health assessments.
(8)
The assessment shall include atmospheric modeling to predict substantive environmental and health impacts on and off site as required by federal Environmental Protection Agency Sewage Sludge Regulation 503 and state department of environmental management air pollution control regulations for acceptable ambient levels.
(9)
The assessment shall be a condition precedent to the issuance of any air quality permit by the department of environmental management.
History of Section.
P.L. 1995, ch. 200, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-66 - Comprehensive Health Risk Assessments › Section 23-66-4. - Financing of assessment.

§ 23-66-4. Financing of assessment.
The party or parties proposing to build and/or operate the proposed facility shall pay for the assessment in its entirety. If a government or quasi-government agency is the proposer, then the agency must conduct the procurement process pursuant to chapter 2 of title 37 entitled “state purchases”.
History of Section.
P.L. 1995, ch. 200, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-66 - Comprehensive Health Risk Assessments › Section 23-66-5. - Review and approval of assessment.

§ 23-66-5. Review and approval of assessment.
(a)(1)
The proponent shall submit the assessment to the directors, or their designees of the state department of health and department of environmental management for joint review. The department of health, in its review, shall consider existing studies and data deemed relevant by the department of health regarding public health within a radius of the proposed facility as designated by the department of environmental management in accordance with § 23-66-3(2). These data and studies shall be considered in the joint review, and the determination made part of the public record. No air permit shall be issued by the department of environmental management until DEM and the department of health concur that health and environmental risks have been reasonably minimized to the extent practicable under all relevant circumstances.
(2)
The assessment shall be published by the department of environmental management and accessible to the public.
(b)
There shall be a public comment period of not less than sixty (60) days, commencing with notice, both in the form of a legal notice and a press release, in at least one newspaper with a statewide circulation of at least one hundred thousand (100,000), and in local newspapers within the assessment area printed in English and other appropriate languages specific to the assessment area.
(c)
There shall be, within seven (7) days of the end of the public comment period, a public hearing conducted by the department of environmental management at a location within a two (2) mile radius of the proposed facility. A representative of the department of health shall be present at the hearing. Notice of the public hearing shall be conducted according to the same terms required of the public comment period, as described in this section.
History of Section.
P.L. 1995, ch. 200, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-66 - Comprehensive Health Risk Assessments › Section 23-66-6. - Expansion of existing sewage sludge incineration facilities — Assessment not required.

§ 23-66-6. Expansion of existing sewage sludge incineration facilities — Assessment not required.
(a)
In order to receive state permits, approvals, or financing, the proponent of expansion of an existing sewage sludge incineration facility shall be required to install and/or use the best available control technology, as defined by the federal Clean Air Act, 42 U.S.C. § 7401, et seq. Expansion shall be defined as an increase in design capacity, as registered pursuant to the department of environmental management air pollution control regulations, of ten percent (10%) or more.
(b)
The proponent of expansion of an existing sewage sludge incineration facility shall not be required to complete a comprehensive health risk assessment.
(c)
Any proponent of expansion of an existing sewage sludge incineration facility shall comply with the requirements of § 23-66-5(b) and (c) with respect to public notice, public comment, and holding a public hearing.
History of Section.
P.L. 1995, ch. 200, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-67 - The Rhode Island Research and Treatment Fund for Uninsured and Underinsured Women Stricken with Cancer › Section 23-67-1. - Declaration of intent.

§ 23-67-1. Declaration of intent.
WHEREAS, The state of Rhode Island recognizes that many women who are uninsured and underinsured, who are victims of breast and cervical cancer, as well as their families, are forced to bear substantial physical, emotional, social, and financial hardships associated with these cancerous illnesses; and
WHEREAS, The financial costs for treatment and continued health care for women stricken with these types of cancer are often prohibitive, because these women are uninsured or underinsured; and
WHEREAS, Many nonprofit organizations in Rhode Island attempt to ameliorate this distressing situation for the victims of breast and cervical cancer by providing services to help defray the costs associated with the care and treatment of these women not otherwise provided for; and
WHEREAS, As admirable as the efforts of these nonprofit organizations are, it is widely acknowledged that they lack the funding to meet all of the needs of the women in this state stricken with breast and cervical cancer.
It is hereby declared to be the intent of the state to provide a means by which breast and cervical cancer victims, whose needs for research, further diagnostic testing and treatment are not otherwise provided for because they are women, who are uninsured or underinsured, may be financed through a special fund as set forth in § 23-67-2. It is also intended that funds generated by this special fund be supplemental to any funds which would otherwise be available for the above purposes, and that the funds be used only for research, further diagnostic testing, and treatment.
History of Section.
P.L. 1995, ch. 209, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-67 - The Rhode Island Research and Treatment Fund for Uninsured and Underinsured Women Stricken with Cancer › Section 23-67-2. - The Rhode Island research and treatment fund for breast and cervical cancer — Uses of the fund.

§ 23-67-2. The Rhode Island research and treatment fund for breast and cervical cancer — Uses of the fund.
(a)
There is hereby established a fund to be called the Rhode Island research and treatment fund for breast and cervical cancer which shall be administered by the general treasurer in accordance with the same laws and fiscal procedures as the general funds of the state. The general treasurer is authorized to accept any grant, devise, bequest, donation, gift, services in kind, assignment of money, bonds or other valuable securities for deposit in and credit of the fund. Taxpayer funds shall not be co-mingled as deposited in this fund.
(b)
The monies received under this chapter shall be made available by the treasurer annually by September 30 to qualified organizations and shall be distributed equally among all qualified organizations which have been certified by the department of health for the funding year.
(c)
Upon distribution to qualified organizations, the monies shall be used exclusively for prevention research and for further diagnostic testing and treatment.
(d)
Any eligible organization which seeks qualified organization status for a funding year shall submit an application to the department of health not later than July 15 of the year for which they seek qualified organization status. The application must include:
(1)
The specific nature of the services the eligible organization is proposing to provide and which type of cancer said services are proposed to be provided to;
(2)
Eligible services that the eligible organization has provided in the past year or is currently providing and the annual cost of the services;
(3)
Whether the monies sought under this chapter will be used to fund new or existing programs for eligible services; and
(4)
Any other information the department of health deems necessary to facilitate the purposes of this chapter.
(e)
Upon receipt of the annual application from eligible organizations as provided in this section, the director of the department of health shall review each application to determine if it complies with the intent and requirements of this chapter. Upon a finding by the director of the department of health that the application so complies, the director of the department of health shall certify that the eligible organization has been designated as a qualified organization for the funding year. The director of the department of health shall provide notice of approval or denial of certification not later than September 15 to each eligible organization which has submitted an annual application.
(f)
The director of the department of health is hereby authorized to promulgate any rules or regulations and prescribe forms necessary to facilitate the provisions of this chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 1995, ch. 209, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-67 - The Rhode Island Research and Treatment Fund for Uninsured and Underinsured Women Stricken with Cancer › Section 23-67-3. - Severability.

§ 23-67-3. Severability.
If the provisions of this chapter or the application thereof to any person or circumstances is held invalid, such invalidity shall not affect other provisions or applications of the chapter which can be given effect without the invalid provision or application, and to this end the provisions of the chapter are declared to be severable.
History of Section.
P.L. 1995, ch. 209, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-68 - Tanning Facility Safety Standards Act › Section 23-68-2. - Legislative findings.

§ 23-68-2. Legislative findings.
The legislature finds that:
(1)
Various physical complications may arise from frequent and unsupervised use of tanning facilities such as exposure to ultraviolet radiation which can cause severe sunburn and eye injury including cataracts and corneal damage; and
(2)
Repeated exposure to ultraviolet light in tanning facilities may also cause premature aging of the skin, skin cancers and abnormal skin sensitivity in persons who may be using certain drugs including some tranquilizers, diuretics, antibiotics, high blood pressure medicines and birth control pills.
(3)
It is therefore desirable that citizens are protected against any problems which may result from improperly functioning equipment in tanning facilities, and, given the potential for harm that is presented by establishments using artificial suntan sources, it is imperative that effective minimum safety standards in this health area be established.
History of Section.
P.L. 1996, ch. 333, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-68 - Tanning Facility Safety Standards Act › Section 23-68-3. - “Tanning facility” defined.

§ 23-68-3. “Tanning facility” defined.
As used in this chapter, “tanning facility” means any location, place, area, structure, or business that either as a sole service or in conjunction with other services, provides patrons with access to sunlamps, ultraviolet lamps or other equipment intended to induce skin tanning through the irradiation of any part of the human body for cosmetic or nonmedical purposes.
History of Section.
P.L. 1996, ch. 333, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-68 - Tanning Facility Safety Standards Act › Section 23-68-4. - Safety standards established.

§ 23-68-4. Safety standards established.
The director of the department of health shall, by regulation, establish minimum safety standards for tanning facilities. The standards shall include, but not be limited to:
(1)
Establishment of a maximum safe time of exposure to radiation and a maximum safe temperature at which tanning devices may be operated;
(2)
A requirement that a timer device be incorporated into each tanning device;
(3)
A requirement that a patron at a tanning facility wear protective eye glasses when using tanning equipment and that a patron be supervised as to the length of time the patron uses tanning equipment at the facility;
(4)
Requiring that the facility operator post easily legible, permanent warning signs near the tanning equipment that state: “Danger — Ultra-violet radiation. Follow all instructions. Avoid overexposure”; as well as a list, prepared by the director of the department of health, of prescription and non-prescription drugs that may cause photosensitivity in patients using a tanning center;
(5)
Require that the facility have protective shielding for tanning equipment in the facility; and
(6)
A prohibition on the use of tanning facilities by a person younger than eighteen (18) years of age.
(a)
[Deleted by P.L. 2018, ch. 77, § 1 and P.L. 2018, ch. 88, § 1].
(b)
[Deleted by P.L. 2018, ch. 77, § 1 and P.L. 2018, ch. 88, § 1].
History of Section.
P.L. 1996, ch. 333, § 1; P.L. 2012, ch. 406, § 1; P.L. 2012, ch. 411, § 1; P.L. 2018, ch. 77, § 1; P.L. 2018, ch. 88, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-68 - Tanning Facility Safety Standards Act › Section 23-68-5. - Certification of facilities.

§ 23-68-5. Certification of facilities.
The director of the department of health shall certify that a facility is in compliance with the safety standards established pursuant to § 23-68-4 and shall periodically inspect the facility to ensure continued compliance with safety standards enumerated in this chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 1996, ch. 333, § 1; P.L. 1997, ch. 326, § 51; P.L. 2008, ch. 100, art. 6, § 3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-68 - Tanning Facility Safety Standards Act › Section 23-68-6. - Registration of facilities.

§ 23-68-6. Registration of facilities.
(a)
A tanning facility shall register annually with the department of health on forms provided by the department and shall pay to the department an annual registration fee established by the director for a license.
(b)
The director of the department of health shall establish a registration fee schedule, by regulation, to cover the costs of implementing the provisions of this chapter, including the costs incurred by the director pursuant to the provisions of § 23-68-5.
History of Section.
P.L. 1996, ch. 333, § 1; P.L. 1997, ch. 326, § 51.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-68 - Tanning Facility Safety Standards Act › Section 23-68-7. - Penalties.

§ 23-68-7. Penalties.
Any person, firm or corporation who violates the provisions of this chapter shall be punished by a fine not to exceed five hundred dollars ($500) for the first offense and by a fine of not more than one thousand dollars ($1,000) for each subsequent offense.
History of Section.
P.L. 1996, ch. 333, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-68 - Tanning Facility Safety Standards Act › Section 23-68-8. - Rules and regulations.

§ 23-68-8. Rules and regulations.
The director of the department of health shall promulgate rules and regulations necessary to carry out the purposes of this chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 1996, ch. 333, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-69 - New England Compact on Involuntary Detention for Tuberculosis Control › Section 23-69-1. - Short title.

§ 23-69-1. Short title.
This chapter shall be cited as the “New England Compact on Involuntary Detention for Tuberculosis Control”.
History of Section.
P.L. 1997, ch. 46, § 1; P.L. 1997, ch. 146, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-69 - New England Compact on Involuntary Detention for Tuberculosis Control › Section 23-69-3. - Formulation of plan.

§ 23-69-3. Formulation of plan.
The director of health shall formulate and keep current a tuberculosis control involuntary detention plan for this state, in accordance with the duty assumed in § 23-10-6.
History of Section.
P.L. 1997, ch. 46, § 1; P.L. 1997, ch. 146, § 1.