reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-13 - Maternal and Child Health Services for Children with Special Health Care Needs › Section 23-13-1. - Acceptance of federal act — Administration and purpose of program.

§ 23-13-1. Acceptance of federal act — Administration and purpose of program.
(a)
The state accepts the provisions of Title V, relative to maternal and child health services, of an act passed by the congress of the United States, entitled the “Social Security Act”, approved August 14, 1935, and as subsequently amended, 42 U.S.C. § 701 et seq., and designates the state department of health as the state agency for administering in Rhode Island the provisions of Title V of the “Social Security Act” relative to maternal and child health services.
(b)
The state department of health shall administer a program of ambulatory health services for mothers and children and shall supervise the administration of those services included in the program which are not directly administered by the department. The purposes of those programs shall be: to reduce maternal and infant mortality, to reduce the incidence and prevalence of preventable diseases and disabling conditions among children, to reduce the need for inpatient and long-term care services, to increase the number of children (especially low income children) receiving immunization, health assessment, diagnostic, and treatment services, to develop, extend, and improve ambulatory health services to locate, diagnose, care for, and rehabilitate children with disabling conditions, and otherwise preserve, protect, and promote the health of mothers and children. The director of health is authorized to promulgate rules and regulations that may be necessary to carry into effect the provisions of this section.
History of Section.
P.L. 1937, ch. 2481, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 271, § 2; impl. am. P.L. 1939, ch. 660, §§ 65, 180; G.L. 1956, § 23-13-1; P.L. 1982, ch. 390, § 3; P.L. 1999, ch. 83, § 46; P.L. 1999, ch. 130, § 46.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-13 - Maternal and Child Health Services for Children with Special Health Care Needs › Section 23-13-2. - Acceptance of gifts.

§ 23-13-2. Acceptance of gifts.
(a)
In addition to sums of money received from the federal government and in addition to appropriations made by the general assembly, the state department of health may accept in the name of and in behalf of the state gifts of money, other than federal and state government allotments or appropriations, which shall be construed as gifts and shall be deposited by the general treasurer in an account or accounts of the department that the director of health may designate.
(b)
The provisions of § 35-4-1 shall not apply to the subsection (a) of this section, insofar as they relate to the disposal of money received as gifts.
History of Section.
P.L. 1937, ch. 2481, § 2; G.L. 1938, ch. 271, § 3; impl. am. P.L. 1939, ch. 660, § 180; G.L. 1956, § 23-13-2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-13 - Maternal and Child Health Services for Children with Special Health Care Needs › Section 23-13-3. - Appropriations by cities and towns.

§ 23-13-3. Appropriations by cities and towns.
Any city or town may annually appropriate a sum to be expended for the promotion of the welfare and hygiene of maternity and infancy in that city or town, under the supervision of and in cooperation with the state department of health, and that city or town may provide that any appropriation may be expended by the state department of health or under the joint supervision of the department and an officer or agent appointed by that city or town to co-operate with the department in carrying out the purposes of the appropriation.
History of Section.
G.L. 1923, ch. 47, § 26; P.L. 1927, ch. 1055, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 329, § 32; impl. am. P.L. 1939, ch. 660, § 180; G.L. 1956, § 23-13-3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-13 - Maternal and Child Health Services for Children with Special Health Care Needs › Section 23-13-4. - Ophthalmia neonatorum — Definition — Treatment.

§ 23-13-4. Ophthalmia neonatorum — Definition — Treatment.
(a)
Any diseased condition of the eye or eyes of an infant in which there is inflammation, redness, swelling, or any unnatural discharge at any time within two (2) weeks after birth shall, for the purpose of §§ 23-13-4 — 23-13-8 be deemed to be ophthalmia neonatorum.
(b)
It shall be the duty of the physician, nurse, or midwife attending the birth of an infant immediately after the birth to treat the eyes of that infant with any approved prophylactic remedy as may be recommended by the department of health.
(c)
For the purpose of §§ 23-13-4 — 23-13-8, midwives, who previously have not been permitted to use medical agents under any conditions, may employ the approved prophylactic of the department of health with the consent of the parent or guardian.
History of Section.
G.L. 1909, ch. 343, § 25; P.L. 1914, ch. 1081, § 1; P.L. 1918, ch. 1641, § 1; P.L. 1919, ch. 1757, § 1; G.L. 1923, ch. 395, § 25; G.L. 1938, ch. 606, § 24; impl. am. P.L. 1939, ch. 660, § 180; G.L. 1956, § 23-13-4; P.L. 1979, ch. 199, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-13 - Maternal and Child Health Services for Children with Special Health Care Needs › Section 23-13-5. - Advice to parents concerning ophthalmia neonatorum.

§ 23-13-5. Advice to parents concerning ophthalmia neonatorum.
It shall be the duty of physicians, midwives, and any other persons that may be lawfully engaged in the practice of obstetrics or assisting at childbirths to inform parents or guardians of the serious nature and consequences of this disease and to advise the use of prophylactic measures designated by the department of health.
History of Section.
G.L. 1909, ch. 343, § 25; P.L. 1918, ch. 1641, § 1; P.L. 1919, ch. 1757, § 1; G.L. 1923, ch. 395, § 25; G.L. 1938, ch. 606, § 24; impl. am. P.L. 1939, ch. 660, § 180; G.L. 1956, § 23-13-5.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-13 - Maternal and Child Health Services for Children with Special Health Care Needs › Section 23-13-6. - Reports of ophthalmia neonatorum.

§ 23-13-6. Reports of ophthalmia neonatorum.
It shall be the duty of any physician, midwife, nurse, parent, or other person or persons assisting any woman in childbirth or assisting in the care of any infant to report within twelve (12) hours after noting any case of ophthalmia neonatorum coming to his or her attention to the department of health.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 277, § 24; G.L. 1909, ch. 343, § 25; P.L. 1914, ch. 1081, § 1; P.L. 1918, ch. 1641, § 1; P.L. 1919, ch. 1757, § 1; G.L. 1923, ch. 395, § 25; G.L. 1938, ch. 606, § 24; G.L. 1956, § 23-13-6.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-13 - Maternal and Child Health Services for Children with Special Health Care Needs › Section 23-13-7. - Investigation of cases — Enforcement of provisions — Publication of information — Reports to attorney general.

§ 23-13-7. Investigation of cases — Enforcement of provisions — Publication of information — Reports to attorney general.
It shall be the duty of the department of health to:
(1)
Investigate each case of ophthalmia neonatorum;
(2)
Enforce the provisions of §§ 23-13-4 — 23-13-8;
(3)
Publish and distribute information concerning the dangers and prevention of ophthalmia neonatorum; and
(4)
Bring all violations of the law to the attorney general, whether occasioned by the failure of the physician, nurse, midwife, parent, or other person or persons assisting in childbirth or in the care of infants, to report the violations.
History of Section.
G.L. 1909, ch. 343, § 26; P.L. 1914, ch. 1081, § 2; P.L. 1918, ch. 1641, § 2; G.L. 1923, ch. 395, § 26; P.L. 1930, ch. 1590, § 2; G.L. 1938, ch. 606, § 25; impl. am. P.L. 1939, ch. 660, § 180; impl. am. P.L. 1951, ch. 2724, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 23-13-7; P.L. 1979, ch. 199, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-13 - Maternal and Child Health Services for Children with Special Health Care Needs › Section 23-13-8. - Violations pertaining to ophthalmia neonatorum.

§ 23-13-8. Violations pertaining to ophthalmia neonatorum.
The failure of any person mentioned in §§ 23-13-4 — 23-13-7 to report any and all cases of ophthalmia neonatorum, as directed in this chapter, or the failure or refusal of any person or institution mentioned in §§23-13-4 — 23-13-7, to obey any rule or regulation adopted by the department of health under this chapter, shall constitute a misdemeanor, and upon conviction, shall be fined not less than ten dollars ($10.00) nor more than one hundred dollars ($100), or imprisoned for not less than ten (10) days nor more than six (6) months, or both.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 277, § 26; G.L. 1909, ch. 343, § 27; P.L. 1918, ch. 1641, § 2; G.L. 1923, ch. 395, § 27; P.L. 1930, ch. 1590, § 2; G.L. 1938, ch. 606, § 26; impl. am. P.L. 1939, ch. 660, § 180; G.L. 1956, § 23-13-8.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-13 - Maternal and Child Health Services for Children with Special Health Care Needs › Section 23-13-9. - Licensing and regulation of midwives — Penalty for violations.

§ 23-13-9. Licensing and regulation of midwives — Penalty for violations.
The state director of health is authorized and directed to make rules for the regulation of the practice of midwifery and for the licensing of midwives, including regulations that require the payment of an initial application fee equal to that fee that is imposed upon applicants for licensure as nurse practitioners and a renewal fee also equivalent to that for nurse practitioners. The rules regarding the regulation of the practice of midwifery shall authorize a licensed, certified nurse-midwife (CNM) or a licensed, certified midwife (CM) to prescribe medications that might be reasonably required by his or her patients; provided however, that a licensed, certified nurse-midwife (CNM) or a licensed, certified midwife (CM) shall prescribe any of those medications as authorized by the director of health. The provisions of this section relating to prescription authority by certified nurse-midwives and certified midwives shall be overseen by the department of health as defined in the department’s rules and regulations for licensing of midwives (R23-13MID). No person not a licensed midwife or a physician, registered under the provisions of chapter 37 of title 5, shall practice midwifery, or shall make a practice of attending women in childbirth for hire, or use the name or title of midwife. Any person who violates the provisions of this section, or who violates any of the rules of the department of health made in pursuance of this section, shall be fined not more than one hundred dollars ($100), or imprisoned not more than six (6) months, or both, and the director of health may revoke the license issued to any person when, in the opinion of the director of health, that person is guilty of unprofessional conduct.
History of Section.
G.L. 1909, ch. 115, § 16; P.L. 1918, ch. 1634, § 1; G.L. 1923, ch. 153, § 16; G.L. 1938, ch. 255, § 13; impl. am. P.L. 1939, ch. 660, § 180; G.L. 1956, § 23-13-9; P.L. 1988, ch. 554, § 1; P.L. 1997, ch. 30, art. 28, § 7; P.L. 1999, ch. 89, § 1; P.L. 2015, ch. 159, § 1; P.L. 2015, ch. 181, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-13 - Maternal and Child Health Services for Children with Special Health Care Needs › Section 23-13-10. - Complaints for violations.

§ 23-13-10. Complaints for violations.
Complaints for violation of the provisions of § 23-13-9 shall be made by the director of the state department of health or by any one authorized by the director, and persons making a complaint under the authority of § 23-13-9 shall be exempted from giving surety for costs on the complaint.
History of Section.
G.L. 1909, ch. 115, § 17; P.L. 1918, ch. 1634, § 1; G.L. 1923, ch. 153, § 17; G.L. 1938, ch. 255, § 14; impl. am. P.L. 1939, ch. 660, § 180; G.L. 1956, § 23-13-10.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-13 - Maternal and Child Health Services for Children with Special Health Care Needs › Section 23-13-13. - Testing for hearing impairments.

§ 23-13-13. Testing for hearing impairments.
(a)
It is declared to be the public policy of this state that every newborn infant be evaluated by procedures approved by the state department of health for the detection of hearing impairments, in order to prevent many of the consequences of these disorders. No hearing impairment test shall be made as to any newborn infant if the parents of that child object to the test on the grounds that a hearing impairment test would conflict with their religious tenets or practices.
(b)
The physician attending a newborn child shall cause the child to be subject to hearing impairment tests as described in department of health regulations.
(c)
In addition, the department of health is authorized to establish by rules and regulations a reasonable fee structure for hearing impairment testing to cover program costs not otherwise covered by federal grant funds specifically secured for this purpose. This testing shall be a covered benefit reimbursable by all health insurers, as defined in § 27-38.2-2(1) except for supplemental policies that only provide coverage for specific diseases, hospital indemnity, Medicare supplement, or other supplemental policies. The department of human services shall pay for hearing impairment testing when the patient is eligible for medical assistance under the provisions of chapter 8 of title 40. In the absence of a third party payor the charges for hearing impairment testing shall be paid by the hospital or other health care facility where the birth occurred. Nothing in this section shall preclude the hospital or health care facility from billing the patient directly. Those fees shall be deposited into a restricted receipt account entitled the “newborn screening account”.
(d)
There is created a hearing impairments testing advisory committee which shall advise the director of the department of health regarding the validity and cost of testing procedures. That advisory committee shall:
(1)
Meet at least four (4) times per year;
(2)
Be chaired by the director or his or her designee;
(3)
Be composed of seven (7) members appointed by the director from the following professions or organizations:
(i)
A representative of the health insurance industry;
(ii)
A pediatrician, designated by the R.I. chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics;
(iii)
An audiologist, designated by the R.I. chapter of the American Speech and Hearing Association;
(iv)
Two (2) representatives of hospital neonatal nurseries;
(v)
A representative of special education designated by the department of elementary and secondary education; and
(vi)
The director of health or his or her designee.
History of Section.
P.L. 1979, ch. 174, art. 15, § 1; P.L. 1992, ch. 185, § 1; P.L. 1995, ch. 370, art. 40, § 61; P.L. 1996, ch. 404, § 28; P.L. 2008, ch. 100, art. 28, § 4; P.L. 2008, ch. 475, § 42.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-13 - Maternal and Child Health Services for Children with Special Health Care Needs › Section 23-13-16. - Annual maternal and child health report.

§ 23-13-16. Annual maternal and child health report.
The department of health shall prepare and issue an annual report on the status of maternal and child health in this state. The report shall include, but need not be limited to, the following: (1) a statistical review and analysis of indicators of maternal and child health, such as low birthweights and infant mortality, including a discussion of any trends revealed by those statistics; (2) a summary of peer reviews of pregnancy-related and early childhood deaths occurring during the previous year; (3) identification of groups of mothers and children at high risk for morbidity and mortality; (4) identification of barriers to adequate maternal and child health care; (5) information regarding both government-funded and third party reimburse maternal and child health care services; and (6) recommendations to strengthen state efforts to improve pregnancy outcomes and to promote effective and coordinated maternal and child health care services. The report shall be submitted to the governor and the general assembly by January 15th of each year and shall be made available to the public.
History of Section.
P.L. 1987, ch. 303, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-13 - Maternal and Child Health Services for Children with Special Health Care Needs › Section 23-13-16.1. - Maternity patient’s informational pamphlet.

§ 23-13-16.1. Maternity patient’s informational pamphlet.
(a)
The director of health shall require that each hospital submit to the department statistics relating to the annual rate of caesarean sections, primary and repeat;
(b)
A pamphlet shall be prepared annually by each hospital listing the statistics stated in subsection (a), and that pamphlet shall be presented in a three (3) year aggregate with each of the years included in the aggregate listed separately;
(c)
The director of health shall require each hospital to distribute to each prospective maternity patient prior to treatment (in other than a medical emergency), and upon request, to the general public, that maternity informational pamphlet.
(d)
Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (b), the informational pamphlet for the first (1st) and second (2nd) year after January 1, 1989 need only contain statistical information in a one or two (2) year aggregate, respectively.
History of Section.
P.L. 1988, ch. 205, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-13 - Maternal and Child Health Services for Children with Special Health Care Needs › Section 23-13-19. - Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing.

§ 23-13-19. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing.
(a)
Every physician or healthcare provider attending any person for prenatal care or family planning services shall include HIV screening consistent with the provisions of chapter 23-6.3.
(b) through (i)
[Deleted by P.L. 2009, ch. 196, § 6 and P.L. 2009, ch. 289, § 6].
History of Section.
P.L. 1988, ch. 405, § 4; P.L. 2000, ch. 171, § 3; P.L. 2006, ch. 599, § 6; P.L. 2007, ch. 170, § 2; P.L. 2007, ch. 279, § 2; P.L. 2009, ch. 196, § 6; P.L. 2009, ch. 289, § 6.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-13 - Maternal and Child Health Services for Children with Special Health Care Needs › Section 23-13-20. - Coordination of community-based family life and sex education.

§ 23-13-20. Coordination of community-based family life and sex education.
(a)
The director of health, with the consultation from the commissioner of elementary and secondary education, the director of human services, the Family Life Center at the Community College of Rhode Island, and the director of the department of children, youth, and families, is authorized to establish a family life and sex education coordination program to assist in the establishment of community networks of educators, counselors, and health and human service providers in the maternal and child health planning areas of the state with high rates of teenage pregnancy. The epidemic of teenage pregnancy is, in part, a result of a deteriorating quality of family life reflected in high divorce rates, confusion between love and sex, and increasing reports of isolation and hopelessness. This community-based approach can address the problem of teenage pregnancy created by the demographic, economic, and cultural phenomena that have dramatically changed both the definition and the role of the family. This program shall include counseling in substance abuse prevention.
(b)
It is the intent of the general assembly that the complex social problem of teenage pregnancy be addressed by the thoughtful orchestration of community institutions and interest groups to support a sound school program designed both to enhance the personal competence and self-esteem of youth, and improve parent skills in providing explicit sexuality education in the home.
History of Section.
P.L. 1988, ch. 414, § 1; P.L. 1990, ch. 79, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-13 - Maternal and Child Health Services for Children with Special Health Care Needs › Section 23-13-21. - Comprehensive reproductive health services.

§ 23-13-21. Comprehensive reproductive health services.
(a)
The director of health is authorized and directed to establish a payor of last resort program to cover the cost of outpatient family planning counseling and comprehensive reproductive health services for men and women who are ineligible for Medicaid, lack health insurance coverage for these services, and whose family’s income is between one hundred percent (100%) and one hundred eighty-five percent (185%) of the federal poverty level. The director shall promulgate regulations to implement this program. These regulations shall include: specific eligibility criteria, scope and standards for services to be covered, mechanisms for administration, and service delivery.
(b)
It is the intent of the general assembly that the following services be provided through this program:
(1)
Patient education and counseling on options for timing and spacing pregnancy;
(2)
Comprehensive medical services to prevent and control the spread of sexually transmitted diseases;
(3)
Access to safe and effective methods of contraception.
(c)
Excluded services will include but not be limited to elective abortion, elective hysterectomy, infertility related services, and other non-family planning procedures. No funds shall be expended to support school-based clinics dispensing contraceptive methods.
History of Section.
P.L. 1988, ch. 414, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-13 - Maternal and Child Health Services for Children with Special Health Care Needs › Section 23-13-23. - Interagency coordinating council.

§ 23-13-23. Interagency coordinating council.
The interagency coordinating council, which is composed in accordance with 20 U.S.C. § 1441, as added by Public Law 108-446, shall monitor the multiagency operation of the early intervention program and to provide a forum where problems may be addressed relating to the delivery of services in the early intervention program.
History of Section.
P.L. 1991, ch. 243, § 3; P.L. 2001, ch. 86, § 69; P.L. 2008, ch. 475, § 42.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-13 - Maternal and Child Health Services for Children with Special Health Care Needs › Section 23-13-24. - Recommendations of the council.

§ 23-13-24. Recommendations of the council.
The interagency coordinating council shall offer recommendations for the betterment of the delivery of early intervention services to the appropriate state agencies and the general assembly whenever necessary.
History of Section.
P.L. 1991, ch. 243, § 3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-13 - Maternal and Child Health Services for Children with Special Health Care Needs › Section 23-13-25. - Powers of council cumulative.

§ 23-13-25. Powers of council cumulative.
The powers and authority of the interagency coordinating council, as stated in this chapter, are in addition to and not in lieu of the powers and authority of any other state agency, department, or division.
History of Section.
P.L. 1991, ch. 243, § 3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-13.1 - The Safe Haven for Infants Act › Section 23-13.1-1. - Short title.

§ 23-13.1-1. Short title.
This chapter may be cited as the “Safe Haven for Infants Act.”
History of Section.
P.L. 2001, ch. 53, § 1; P.L. 2001, ch. 130, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-13.1 - The Safe Haven for Infants Act › Section 23-13.1-2. - Definitions.

§ 23-13.1-2. Definitions.
As used in this chapter:
“Infant” means a newborn human child which is thirty (30) days old or younger.
History of Section.
P.L. 2001, ch. 53, § 1; P.L. 2001, ch. 130, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-13.1 - The Safe Haven for Infants Act › Section 23-13.1-4. - Immunity.

§ 23-13.1-4. Immunity.
A person who leaves an infant, age thirty (30) days or younger, at a hospital or other facility designated under this chapter, or directs another person to do so, shall be immune from prosecution only for the act of abandonment of the infant pursuant to §§ 11-2-1 and 11-9-5(a) provided that:
(1)
The person is the parent of the infant or is acting at the direction of a parent;
(2)
The infant is left in the physical custody of a staff member of the hospital or other facility designated under this chapter;
(3)
A comprehensive medical examination of the infant determines the infant has not been harmed or been the victim or any physical neglect or abuse. Injuries and/or conditions resulting from childbirth shall not be considered harm, abuse or neglect for the purposes of this section.
History of Section.
P.L. 2001, ch. 53, § 1; P.L. 2001, ch. 130, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-13.1 - The Safe Haven for Infants Act › Section 23-13.1-5. - DCYF — Procedure.

§ 23-13.1-5. DCYF — Procedure.
(a)
Immediately upon any time that a hospital or other facility designated in this chapter takes physical possession of an infant pursuant to this chapter, the hospital or other facility designated in this chapter shall notify the director of the department of children, youth and families, or his or her designee, that it has physical possession of the infant. The director of the department of children, youth and families shall establish a procedure by which a hospital or other facility designated in this chapter can notify the department for children, youth and families. The department of children, youth and families shall immediately respond to the hospital or other facility designated in this chapter and place the infant in the temporary protective custody of the department and make arrangements for the infant to undergo a comprehensive medical examination by a licensed physician or a duly certified registered nurse practitioner in accordance with the provisions of § 40-11-5. Thereafter, the department of children, youth and families shall file an emergency petition for the removal of the infant from the care and custody of the parents in accordance with the provisions of § 40-11-7.
(b)
The department of children, youth and families shall, upon obtaining temporary custody of the infant and provided that no person has asserted a claim to be the parent of the infant within ninety (90) days of the department obtaining custody, commence proceedings to terminate the parental rights of the parents of the infant in accordance with the provisions of § 15-7-7. The leaving of the infant at a hospital or other facility designated herein and the failure of a person to assert a claim to be the parent of the infant within ninety (90) days of the infant being placed in the temporary custody of the department of children, youth and families shall constitute prima facie evidence of permanent abandonment of the infant.
History of Section.
P.L. 2001, ch. 53, § 1; P.L. 2001, ch. 130, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-13.1 - The Safe Haven for Infants Act › Section 23-13.1-6. - Awareness program.

§ 23-13.1-6. Awareness program.
There shall be established a “Safe Haven for Infants Awareness Program” which shall distribute literature relative to the rights and immunity established under this chapter. The awareness program shall be administered by the director of the department of children, youth and families or his or her designee. As part of the program, the director shall establish a toll free telephone information line, issue pamphlets and other literature, and secure print and other advertisements in order to disseminate information relative to this chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 2001, ch. 53, § 1; P.L. 2001, ch. 130, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-13.1 - The Safe Haven for Infants Act › Section 23-13.1-7. - Annual report to the legislature.

§ 23-13.1-7. Annual report to the legislature.
The director of the department of children, youth and families shall report annually to the general assembly at its January session as to the status of any infant abandoned under this chapter and all costs incurred by the department relative to this chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 2001, ch. 53, § 1; P.L. 2001, ch. 130, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-13.1 - The Safe Haven for Infants Act › Section 23-13.1-8. - Severability.

§ 23-13.1-8. Severability.
If any provision of this chapter or the application of any provision to any person or circumstance shall be held invalid, that invalidity shall not affect the provisions or application of this chapter, which can be given effect without the invalid provision or application, and to this end the provisions of this chapter are declared to be severable.
History of Section.
P.L. 2001, ch. 53, § 1; P.L. 2001, ch. 130, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-13.2 - Nursing Working Mothers › Section 23-13.2-1. - Workplace policies protecting a woman’s choice to breastfeed.

§ 23-13.2-1. Workplace policies protecting a woman’s choice to breastfeed.
(a)
An employer may provide reasonable unpaid break time each day to an employee who needs to breastfeed or express breast milk for her infant child to maintain milk supply and comfort. The break time must, if possible, run concurrently with any break time already provided to the employee. An employer is not required to provide break time under this section if to do so would create an undue hardship on the operations of the employer.
(b)
An employer shall make a reasonable effort to provide a private, secure and sanitary room or other location in close proximity to the work area, other than a toilet stall, where an employee can express her milk or breastfeed her child.
(c)
The department of health shall issue periodic reports on breastfeeding rates, complaints received and benefits reported by both working breastfeeding mothers and employers.
(d)
As used in this section:
(1)
“Employer” means a person engaged in business who has one or more employees, including the state and any political subdivision of the state;
(2)
“Employee” means any person engaged in service to an employer in the business of the employer;
(3)
“Reasonable efforts” means any effort that would not impose an undue hardship on the operation of the employer’s business; and
(4)
“Undue hardship” means any action that requires significant difficulty or expense when considered in relation to factors such as the size of the business, its financial resources and the nature and structure of its operation.
History of Section.
P.L. 2003, ch. 53, § 1; P.L. 2003, ch. 67, § 1; P.L. 2008, ch. 475, § 43.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-13.3 - Birth Defects Surveillance and Information System › Section 23-13.3-1. - Preamble to birth defects surveillance and information system.

§ 23-13.3-1. Preamble to birth defects surveillance and information system.
Whereas birth defects are a major cause of infants deaths and childhood disabilities; and whereas early recognition and response to birth defects often prevents more serious effects; and whereas the epidemiological patterns of specific birth defects may provide keys to improved birth outcomes. An active birth defects surveillance and information system is essential to developing programs and disseminating information that can reduce birth defects and infant mortality. An active birth defects surveillance and information system serves to:
(1)
Describe occurrence of birth defects in the newborn and children up to five (5);
(2)
Detect trends of morbidity and mortality, stimulate epidemiological research diminish the impact of birth defects and infant mortality;
(3)
Identify newborns and children with birth defects to intervene on a timely basis for treatment.
History of Section.
P.L. 2003, ch. 116, § 1; P.L. 2003, ch. 183, § 1; P.L. 2008, ch. 475, § 44.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-13.3 - Birth Defects Surveillance and Information System › Section 23-13.3-2. - Definitions.

§ 23-13.3-2. Definitions.
(a)
“Birth defects” means a physical or mental functional deficit or impairment resulting from one or more genetic or environmental causes detected in a newborn or before a child’s fifth (5th) birthday.
(b)
“Council” means the birth defects surveillance and information advisory council.
(c)
“Department” means the Rhode Island department of health.
(d)
“Director” means the director of the department of health.
History of Section.
P.L. 2003, ch. 116, § 1; P.L. 2003, ch. 183, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-13.3 - Birth Defects Surveillance and Information System › Section 23-13.3-3. - Statewide birth defects surveillance and information system.

§ 23-13.3-3. Statewide birth defects surveillance and information system.
(a)
The director shall establish and implement not later than one year after passage of this act a statewide birth defects reporting, surveillance and information system for the collection of information concerning birth defects of newborns and spontaneous fetal deaths. The director shall establish the types of birth defects to be reported, reporting requirements and confidentiality standards.
(b)
The director shall require the reporting of birth defects and the submission of any specified additional information on cases necessary and appropriate for the recognition of birth defects and to conduct epidemiological surveys of birth defects.
(c)
The birth defects surveillance and information system shall maintain comprehensive records of all reports submitted pursuant to this section. These reports shall be confidential in accordance with chapter 37.3 of title 5 and subject to the restrictions on release incorporated in that chapter. Provided, however: (1) any such information shall be available only for the purposes of this chapter; and (2) any data requested for demographic or epidemiological studies shall be provided in a format without individually identifiable information.
(d)
The department shall maintain a public listing of any nondepartmental employees who are given access to identifiable information in the surveillance and information system. The listing shall include: the name of the person authorizing access; the name, title and organizational affiliation of each person given access; the date of access; and the specific purpose for which the information was used.
(e)
Nothing in this section shall be construed to compel any individual to submit to medical or department examination or supervision.
(f)
The director shall make rules and regulations that are necessary to implement the provision of this section pursuant to chapter 35 of title 42.
(g)
The department shall not require the reporting of information or entering of information into the birth defects surveillance and information system regarding birth defects of a child whose parents or legal guardian objects.
(h)
Parents and/or guardians shall have the right to prohibit the release of individually identifiable information on their children from the birth defects surveillance and information system, and shall have the right to prohibit being contacted by the Birth Defects Surveillance Program.
(i)
The department shall provide timely notification to parents and/or guardians of their rights under subsections (g) and (h).
History of Section.
P.L. 2003, ch. 116, § 1; P.L. 2003, ch. 183, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-13.3 - Birth Defects Surveillance and Information System › Section 23-13.3-4. - Advisory council.

§ 23-13.3-4. Advisory council.
(a)
Not later than thirty (30) days after July 7, 2003, the director shall appoint a council to advise the department on the establishment and implementation of the birth defects reporting, surveillance and information system.
(b)
The council shall recommend to the director a list of birth defects to be reported to the surveillance system.
(c)
The council shall include not more than fifteen (15) persons who collectively bring the following expertise: (1) representative of the Children’s Cabinet; (2) health care services; (3) the Rhode Island March of Dimes and other community organizations concerned with birth defects; (4) parents of children with birth defects; and (5) the public.
(d)
Members may serve for two (2) three (3) year terms. Terms for each appointee begin at the initial appointment date.
(e)
Not later than thirty (30) days after the initial appointments are made the director shall convene the first meeting of the council. In consultation with and with the approval of the council, the director shall appoint, at the first meeting of the council, the chairperson and vice chairperson of the council from among the members of the council. The chairperson may call additional meetings, as the chairperson considers appropriate.
(f)
The council may establish rules of procedure as necessary to facilitate the council’s orderly conduct of business.
(g)
Council members shall serve without compensation.
History of Section.
P.L. 2003, ch. 116, § 1; P.L. 2003, ch. 183, § 1; P.L. 2008, ch. 475, § 44.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-13.3 - Birth Defects Surveillance and Information System › Section 23-13.3-5. - Reports.

§ 23-13.3-5. Reports.
Three (3) years after the date a birth defects surveillance and information system is implemented the department shall submit the first annual report to the governor, the general assembly, the Children’s Cabinet and the Interagency Coordinating Council. The report shall describe the findings of the first year’s reporting and set forth the council’s recommendations for the betterment of the birth defects surveillance and information system. In addition, the council shall make recommendations to the appropriate state agencies whenever it considers the recommendations to be necessary.
History of Section.
P.L. 2003, ch. 116, § 1; P.L. 2003, ch. 183, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-13.4 - Hazardous Chemicals — Contamination of Breast Milk and Environment › Section 23-13.4-1. - Legislative findings.

§ 23-13.4-1. Legislative findings.
The legislature finds and declares all of the following:
(1)
Chemicals known as brominated flame retardants (BFRs) are widely used in Rhode Island. To meet stringent fire standards, manufacturers add BFRs to a multitude of products, including plastic housing of electronics and computers, circuit boards, and the foam and textiles used in furniture.
(2)
Polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE), which is a subcategory of BFRs, has increased fortyfold in human breast milk since the 1970s.
(3)
PBDE has the potential to disrupt thyroid hormone balance and contribute to a variety of developmental deficits, including low intelligence and learning disabilities. PBDE may also have the potential to cause cancer.
(4)
Substantial efforts to eliminate BFRs from products have been made throughout the world, including private and public sectors. These efforts have made available numerous alternatives safe to human health while meeting stringent fire standards. To meet market demand, it is in the interest of Rhode Island manufacturers to eliminate the use of BFRs.
(5)
In order to protect the public health and the environment, the legislature believes it is necessary for the state to develop a precautionary approach regarding the production, use, storage, and disposal of products containing brominated fire retardants.
History of Section.
P.L. 2006, ch. 591, § 1; P.L. 2008, ch. 475, § 45.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-13.4 - Hazardous Chemicals — Contamination of Breast Milk and Environment › Section 23-13.4-2. - Definitions.

§ 23-13.4-2. Definitions.
For purposes of this chapter, the following words shall have the following meanings:
(1)
“DecaBDE” means decabromodiphenyl ether.
(2)
“OctaBDE” means octabrominated diphenyl ether or any technical mixture in which octabrominated diphenyl ether is a predominate congener.
(3)
“PBDE” means polybrominated diphenyl ether.
(4)
“PentaBDE” means pentabrominated diphenyl ether or any technical mixture in which pentabrominated diphenyl ether is a predominate congener including, but not limited to, metal furniture, machinery, major appliances, electronic products, and wood-burning stoves.
History of Section.
P.L. 2006, ch. 591, § 1; P.L. 2008, ch. 475, § 45.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-13.4 - Hazardous Chemicals — Contamination of Breast Milk and Environment › Section 23-13.4-3. - Manufacturing, processing or distribution.

§ 23-13.4-3. Manufacturing, processing or distribution.
(a)
Effective January 1, 2007, a person may not manufacture, process, or distribute in commerce a product or a flame-retardant part of a product containing more than one-tenth (1/10%) of one percent (1%) of pentaBDE or octaBDE.
(b)
Subsection (a) of this section does not apply to the following:
(1)
The sale by a business, charity, or private party of any used product containing PBDE.
(2)
The distribution in commerce of original equipment manufacturer replacement service parts manufactured prior to July 14, 2006.
(3)
The processing of recycled material containing pentaBDE or octaBDE in compliance with applicable state and federal laws.
(4)
Use of products containing small quantities of PBDEs that are produced or used or used for scientific research on the health or environmental effects of PBDEs.
History of Section.
P.L. 2006, ch. 591, § 1; P.L. 2008, ch. 475, § 45.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-13.4 - Hazardous Chemicals — Contamination of Breast Milk and Environment › Section 23-13.4-4. - “DecaBDE” study.

§ 23-13.4-4. “DecaBDE” study.
By January 2, 2007, the department of environmental management shall submit to the general assembly a report that reviews the latest available scientific research to address the following issues:
(1)
Whether decaBDE is bio-accumulating in humans and the environment, and if so, whether the levels of decaBDE are increasing, decreasing, or staying the same;
(2)
How are humans exposed to decaBDE;
(3)
What health effects could result from exposure to decaBDE, and are current levels of exposure at levels that could produce these effects;
(4)
Whether decaBDE breaks down into more harmful chemicals that could damage public health; and
(5)
Whether effective flame retardants are available for decaBDE uses, and whether the use of available alternatives reduce health risks while still maintaining an adequate level of flame retardant performance.
History of Section.
P.L. 2006, ch. 591, § 1; P.L. 2008, ch. 475, § 45.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-13.4 - Hazardous Chemicals — Contamination of Breast Milk and Environment › Section 23-13.4-5. - Review of “decaBDE” Study.

§ 23-13.4-5. Review of “decaBDE” Study.
By February 28, 2007, the department of health shall submit to the general assembly a report that reviews the department of environmental management’s decaBDE study. In addition to a review of any public health implications the department of health believes would result from exposure to decaBDE, it shall also comment on the following:
(1)
The known exposure pathways for humans to decaBDE;
(2)
What scientific evidence exists to demonstrate that decaBDE breaks down into other chemicals that could pose public health concerns; and
(3)
What research and analysis exists on the potential human health effects of flame retardants that could be used as alternative to decaBDE.
History of Section.
P.L. 2006, ch. 591, § 1; P.L. 2008, ch. 475, § 45.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-13.4 - Hazardous Chemicals — Contamination of Breast Milk and Environment › Section 23-13.4-6. - Transportation of products containing PBDEs.

§ 23-13.4-6. Transportation of products containing PBDEs.
Nothing in this chapter restricts a manufacturer, importer, or distributor from transporting products containing PBDEs through this state or storing PBDEs in this state for further distribution.
History of Section.
P.L. 2006, ch. 591, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-13.5 - Breastfeeding in Public Places › Section 23-13.5-1. - Breastfeeding in public places.

§ 23-13.5-1. Breastfeeding in public places.
A woman may feed her child by bottle or breast in any place open to the public.
History of Section.
P.L. 2008, ch. 223, § 1; P.L. 2008, ch. 308, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-13.5 - Breastfeeding in Public Places › Section 23-13.5-2. - Remedies.

§ 23-13.5-2. Remedies.
In any civil action alleging a violation of this chapter, the court may:
(1)
Afford injunctive relief against any person, entity or public accommodation that commits or proposes to commit a violation of this chapter; and
(2)
Award compensatory damages and reasonable attorney’s fees and costs to a prevailing plaintiff.
History of Section.
P.L. 2008, ch. 223, § 1; P.L. 2008, ch. 308, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-13.6 - Lactation Consultant Practice Act of 2014 › Section 23-13.6-1. - Short title.

§ 23-13.6-1. Short title.
This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the “Lactation Consultant Practice Act of 2014.”
History of Section.
P.L. 2014, ch. 420, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 444, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-13.6 - Lactation Consultant Practice Act of 2014 › Section 23-13.6-2. - Definitions.

§ 23-13.6-2. Definitions.
As used in this chapter, the following words and terms shall have the following meanings:
(1)
“Lactation consultant” means a healthcare professional who specializes in the clinical management of breastfeeding.
History of Section.
P.L. 2014, ch. 420, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 444, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-13.6 - Lactation Consultant Practice Act of 2014 › Section 23-13.6-3. - Licensing and regulation of lactation consultants.

§ 23-13.6-3. Licensing and regulation of lactation consultants.
The director of health is authorized and directed to formulate, promulgate, amend, and repeal procedures, rules, and regulations for the following:
(1)
The licensing of lactation consultants;
(2)
Standards and specifications for education, knowledge, and experience required for licensure as a lactation consultant. In establishing these requirements, the director shall give due consideration to criteria established by the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCE), or other national standards established by professional societies with expertise in the training and certification of lactation consultants;
(3)
Establishment of a minimum standard of care for providing lactation care and services;
(4)
Establishment of a nonrefundable application fee and license renewal fee. All fees collected pursuant to this chapter shall be deposited as general revenues;
(5)
Any other rule or regulation deemed necessary by the director of health to carry out the provisions of this chapter, provided that no rule or regulation shall take effect until it has been promulgated in accordance with the provisions of chapter 35 of title 42 (the “Administrative Procedures Act”).
History of Section.
P.L. 2014, ch. 420, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 444, § 1.