reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-4.10 - Health Care Power of Attorney › Section 23-4.10-4. - Recording contents of durable power of attorney.

§ 23-4.10-4. Recording contents of durable power of attorney.
The attending physician who had knowledge of the existence of a durable power of attorney shall note in the medical record the existence of the durable power of attorney. In the instance where the durable power of attorney includes a DNR (do not resuscitate) order, that should also be entered into the medical record.
History of Section.
P.L. 1992, ch. 443, § 2; P.L. 1993, ch. 72, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-4.10 - Health Care Power of Attorney › Section 23-4.10-5. - Treatment of patients.

§ 23-4.10-5. Treatment of patients.
(a)
A patient has the right to make decisions regarding use of life sustaining procedures as long as the patient is able to do so. If a patient is not able to make those decisions, the durable power of attorney governs decisions regarding use of life sustaining procedures.
(b)
This chapter does not prohibit any action considered necessary by the attending physician, health care provider, or emergency medical services personnel for comfort, care, or alleviation of pain.
(c)
The durable power of attorney of a patient known to the attending physician to be pregnant shall be given no force or effect as long as it is probable that the fetus could develop to the point of live birth with continued application of life sustaining procedures.
History of Section.
P.L. 1992, ch. 443, § 2; P.L. 1993, ch. 72, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-4.10 - Health Care Power of Attorney › Section 23-4.10-6. - Transfer of patients.

§ 23-4.10-6. Transfer of patients.
An attending physician or health-care provider who refuses to comply with the durable power of attorney of a patient pursuant to this chapter shall make the necessary arrangements to effect the transfer of the patient to another physician who will effectuate the durable power of attorney of the patient.
History of Section.
P.L. 1992, ch. 443, § 2; P.L. 1993, ch. 72, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-4.10 - Health Care Power of Attorney › Section 23-4.10-7. - Immunities.

§ 23-4.10-7. Immunities.
(a)
In the absence of actual notice of the revocation of a durable power of attorney, the following, while acting in accordance with the requirements of this chapter, are not subject to civil or criminal liability or charges of unprofessional conduct:
(1)
A physician who acts pursuant to the terms of a durable power of attorney or at the direction of the agent so designated by a durable power of attorney.
(2)
A person who acts under the direction or with the authorization of a physician.
(3)
The health-care provider owning or operating the facility in which the terms of durable power of attorney are implemented.
(4)
Emergency medical services personnel who act pursuant to an advanced directive protocol.
(5)
Emergency medical services personnel who proceed to provide life-sustaining treatment to a patient pursuant to a revocation communicated to them.
(6)
An agent acting in accordance with a valid durable power of attorney.
(b)
A physician is not subject to civil or criminal liability for actions under this chapter which are in accordance with reasonable medical standards.
History of Section.
P.L. 1992, ch. 443, § 2; P.L. 1993, ch. 72, § 1; P.L. 1993, ch. 422, § 5; P.L. 1994, ch. 14, § 5.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-4.10 - Health Care Power of Attorney › Section 23-4.10-8. - Penalties.

§ 23-4.10-8. Penalties.
(a)
Failure of a physician to transfer a patient pursuant to § 23-4.10-6 shall constitute “unprofessional conduct” as that term is used in § 5-37-5.1.
(b)
Any person who willfully conceals, cancels, defaces, or obliterates the durable power of attorney of another absent the declarant’s consent or direction or who falsifies or forges a revocation of the durable power of attorney of another shall be imprisoned for no less than six (6) months but no more than one year, or shall be fined not less than two thousand dollars ($2,000) but no more than five thousand dollars ($5,000).
(c)
Any person who falsifies or forges the durable power of attorney of another, or willfully conceals or withholds personal knowledge of a revocation as provided in § 23-4.10-3 with the intent to cause a withholding or withdrawal of life sustaining procedures, shall be imprisoned for no less than one year but no more than five (5) years, or shall be fined not less than five thousand dollars ($5,000) but no more than ten thousand dollars ($10,000).
(d)
In addition to the sanctions and/or penalties previously mentioned in this section, any physician or person referred to in this section or in violation of this section, shall be civilly liable.
History of Section.
P.L. 1992, ch. 443, § 2; P.L. 1993, ch. 72, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-4.10 - Health Care Power of Attorney › Section 23-4.10-9. - General provisions.

§ 23-4.10-9. General provisions.
(a)
Death resulting from the withholding or withdrawal of life-sustaining procedures pursuant to a durable power of attorney and in accordance with this chapter does not constitute, for any purpose, a suicide or homicide.
(b)
The making of a durable power of attorney pursuant to § 23-4.10-3 does not affect in any manner the sale, procurement, or issuance of any policy of life insurance, nor does it modify the terms of an existing policy of life insurance. A policy of life insurance is not legally impaired or invalidated in any manner by the withholding or withdrawal of life-sustaining procedures from an insured qualified patient, notwithstanding any term of the policy to the contrary.
(c)
A person may not prohibit or require the execution of a durable power of attorney as a condition for being insured for, or receiving, health care services.
(d)
This chapter creates no presumption concerning the intention of an individual who has revoked or has not executed a durable power of attorney with respect to the use, withholding, or withdrawal of life-sustaining procedures in the event of a terminal condition.
(e)
This chapter does not increase or decrease the right of a patient to make decisions regarding use of life-sustaining procedures so long as the patient is able to do so, or impair or supersede any right or responsibility that any person has to effect the withholding or withdrawal of medical care.
(f)
This chapter does not condone, authorize, or approve mercy-killing or euthanasia.
History of Section.
P.L. 1992, ch. 443, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-4.10 - Health Care Power of Attorney › Section 23-4.10-10. - Presumption of validity of durable power of attorney.

§ 23-4.10-10. Presumption of validity of durable power of attorney.
A physician or health care provider or emergency medical services personnel may presume, in the absence of actual notice to the contrary, that a durable power of attorney complies with the requirements of this chapter and is valid.
History of Section.
P.L. 1992, ch. 443, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-4.10 - Health Care Power of Attorney › Section 23-4.10-11. - Recognition of durable power of attorney executed in another state.

§ 23-4.10-11. Recognition of durable power of attorney executed in another state.
A durable power of attorney executed in another state in compliance with the law of that state is validly executed for purposes of this chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 1992, ch. 443, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-4.10 - Health Care Power of Attorney › Section 23-4.10-12. - Severability.

§ 23-4.10-12. Severability.
If any provision of this chapter or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the invalidity does not affect other provisions or applications of this chapter which can be given effect without the invalid provision or application, and to this end the provisions of this chapter are severable.
History of Section.
P.L. 1992, ch. 443, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-4.11 - Rights of the Terminally Ill Act › Section 23-4.11-1. - Purpose.

§ 23-4.11-1. Purpose.
(a)
The legislature finds that adult persons have the fundamental right to control the decisions relating to the rendering of their own medical care, including the decision to have life sustaining procedures withheld or withdrawn in instances of a terminal condition.
(b)
In order that the rights of patients may be respected even after they are no longer able to participate actively in decisions about themselves, the legislature declares that the laws of the state shall recognize the right of an adult person to make a written declaration instructing his or her physician to withhold or withdraw life sustaining procedures in the event of a terminal condition.
History of Section.
P.L. 1991, ch. 166, § 1; P.L. 1991, ch. 308, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-4.11 - Rights of the Terminally Ill Act › Section 23-4.11-3. - Declaration relating to use of life sustaining procedures.

§ 23-4.11-3. Declaration relating to use of life sustaining procedures.
(a)
A competent individual eighteen (18) years of age or older may at any time execute a declaration governing the withholding or withdrawal of life sustaining procedures. The declaration must be signed by the declarant, or another at the declarant’s direction in the presence of two (2) subscribing witnesses who are not related to the declarant by blood or marriage.
(b)
A physician or other health care provider who is provided a copy of the declaration shall make it a part of the declarant’s medical record.
(c)
A declaration has operative effect only when:
(1)
The declaration is communicated to the attending physician;
(2)
The declarant is determined by the attending physician to be in a terminal condition; and
(3)
The declarant is unable to make treatment decisions.
(d)
A declaration may, but need not, be in the following form:
DECLARATION
I, _____________ , being of sound mind willfully and voluntarily make known my desire that my dying shall not be artificially prolonged under the circumstances set forth below, do hereby declare:
If I should have an incurable or irreversible condition that will cause my death and if I am unable to make decisions regarding my medical treatment, I direct my attending physician to withhold or withdraw procedures that merely prolong the dying process and are not necessary to my comfort, or to alleviate pain.
This authorization includes ( ) does not include ( ) the withholding or withdrawal of artificial feeding (check only one box above).
Signed this _____ day of _________ , _______ .
_______________
Signature
_______________
Address
The declarant is personally known to me and voluntarily signed this document in my presence.
_________________________________________ _________________________________________
Witness Witness
_________________________________________ _________________________________________
Address Address
History of Section.
P.L. 1991, ch. 166, § 1; P.L. 1991, ch. 308, § 1; P.L. 2001, ch. 140, § 2; P.L. 2001, ch. 320, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-4.11 - Rights of the Terminally Ill Act › Section 23-4.11-4. - Revocation of declaration.

§ 23-4.11-4. Revocation of declaration.
(a)(1)
A declaration may be revoked at any time and in any manner by which the declarant is able to communicate an intent to revoke, without regard to mental or physical condition. A revocation is only effective as to the attending physician or any health care provider upon communication to that physician or health care provider by the declarant or by another who witnessed the revocation.
(2)
The attending physician or health care provider shall make the revocation a part of the declarant’s medical record.
(3)
If there is an inconsistency between a declaration executed pursuant to this chapter and a durable health care power of attorney executed pursuant to chapter 4.10 of this title, both of which have been executed by the same person, the latter executed document shall control as to any inconsistent provision.
(4)
For emergency medical services personnel, absence of reliable documentation as defined in § 23-4.11-2(6) shall constitute a revocation of the declaration.
(b)
A revocation is only effective as to the attending physician or any health care provider or emergency medical services personnel upon communication to that physician health care provider or emergency medical services personnel by the declarant or by another who witnessed the revocation.
History of Section.
P.L. 1991, ch. 166, § 1; P.L. 1991, ch. 308, § 1; P.L. 1992, ch. 443, § 3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-4.11 - Rights of the Terminally Ill Act › Section 23-4.11-5. - Recording determination of terminal condition and contents of declaration.

§ 23-4.11-5. Recording determination of terminal condition and contents of declaration.
Upon determining that the declarant is in a terminal condition, the attending physician who has notice of a declaration shall record the determination and the substance of the declaration in the declarant’s medical record.
History of Section.
P.L. 1991, ch. 166, § 1; P.L. 1991, ch. 308, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-4.11 - Rights of the Terminally Ill Act › Section 23-4.11-6. - Treatment of qualified patients.

§ 23-4.11-6. Treatment of qualified patients.
(a)
A qualified patient has the right to make decisions regarding use of life sustaining procedures as long as the patient is able to do so. If a qualified patient is not able to make those decisions, the declaration governs decisions regarding use of life sustaining procedures.
(b)
This chapter does not prohibit any action considered necessary by the attending physician for comfort and care or alleviation of pain.
(c)
The declaration of a qualified patient known to the attending physician to be pregnant shall be given no force or effect as long as it is probable that the fetus could develop to the point of live birth with continued application of life sustaining procedures.
History of Section.
P.L. 1991, ch. 166, § 1; P.L. 1991, ch. 308, § 1; P.L. 1992, ch. 324, § 5.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-4.11 - Rights of the Terminally Ill Act › Section 23-4.11-7. - Transfer of patients.

§ 23-4.11-7. Transfer of patients.
An attending physician or health care provider who refuses to comply with the declaration of a qualified patient pursuant to this chapter shall make the necessary arrangements to effect the transfer of the qualified patient to another physician who will effectuate the declaration of the qualified patient.
History of Section.
P.L. 1991, ch. 166, § 1; P.L. 1991, ch. 308, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-4.11 - Rights of the Terminally Ill Act › Section 23-4.11-8. - Immunities.

§ 23-4.11-8. Immunities.
(a)
In the absence of actual notice of the revocation of a declaration, the following, while acting in accordance with the requirements of this chapter, are not subject to civil or criminal liability or charges of unprofessional conduct:
(1)
A physician who causes the withholding or withdrawal of life sustaining procedures from a qualified patient.
(2)
A person who participates in the withholding or withdrawal of life sustaining procedures under the direction or with the authorization of a physician.
(3)
The health care provider owning or operating the facility in which the withholding or withdrawal occurs.
(4)
Emergency medical services personnel who cause or participate in the withholding or withdrawal of life-sustaining procedures under the direction of or with the authorization of a physician or who on receipt of reliable documentation follow an advance directive protocol.
(5)
Emergency medical services personnel who proceed to provide life-sustaining treatment to a qualified patient pursuant to a revocation communicated to them.
(b)
A physician is not subject to civil or criminal liability for actions under this chapter which are in accordance with reasonable medical standards.
History of Section.
P.L. 1991, ch. 166, § 1; P.L. 1991, ch. 308, § 1; P.L. 1992, ch. 443, § 3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-4.11 - Rights of the Terminally Ill Act › Section 23-4.11-9. - Penalties.

§ 23-4.11-9. Penalties.
(a)
Failure of a physician to transfer a patient pursuant to § 23-4.11-7 shall constitute “unprofessional conduct” as that term is used in § 5-37-5.1.
(b)
Failure of a physician to record the determination of terminal condition pursuant to § 23-4.11-5 shall constitute “unprofessional conduct” as that term is used in § 5-37-5.1.
(c)
Any person who willfully conceals, cancels, defaces, or obliterates the declaration of another absent the declarant’s consent or direction or who falsifies or forges a revocation of the declaration of another shall be imprisoned for no less than six (6) months but no more than one year, or shall be fined not less than two thousand dollars ($2,000) but no more than five thousand dollars ($5,000).
(d)
Any person who falsifies or forges the declaration of another, or willfully conceals or withholds personal knowledge of a revocation as provided in § 23-4.11-4 with the intent to cause a withholding or withdrawal of life sustaining procedures, shall be imprisoned for no less than one year but no more than five (5) years, or shall be fined not less than five thousand dollars ($5,000) but no more than ten thousand dollars ($10,000).
(e)
In addition to the sanctions and/or penalties mentioned in this section, any physician or person referred to in this section or in violation of this section, shall be civilly liable.
History of Section.
P.L. 1991, ch. 166, § 1; P.L. 1991, ch. 308, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-4.11 - Rights of the Terminally Ill Act › Section 23-4.11-10. - General provisions.

§ 23-4.11-10. General provisions.
(a)
Death resulting from the withholding or withdrawal of life sustaining procedures pursuant to a declaration and in accordance with this chapter does not constitute, for any purpose, a suicide or homicide.
(b)
The making of a declaration pursuant to § 23-4.11-3 does not affect in any manner the sale, procurement, or issuance of any policy of life insurance, nor does it modify the terms of an existing policy of life insurance. A policy of life insurance is not legally impaired or invalidated in any manner by the withholding or withdrawal of life sustaining procedures from an insured qualified patient, notwithstanding any term of the policy to the contrary.
(c)
A person may not prohibit or require the execution of a declaration as a condition for being insured for, or receiving, health care services.
(d)
This chapter creates no presumption concerning the intention of an individual who has revoked or has not executed a declaration with respect to the use, withholding or withdrawal of life sustaining procedures in the event of a terminal condition.
(e)
This chapter does not increase or decrease the right of a patient to make decisions regarding use of life sustaining procedures so long as the patient is able to do so, or impair or supersede any right or responsibility that any person has to effect the withholding or withdrawal of medical care.
(f)
This chapter does not condone, authorize, or approve mercy killing or euthanasia.
History of Section.
P.L. 1991, ch. 166, § 1; P.L. 1991, ch. 308, § 1; P.L. 1992, ch. 443, § 3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-4.11 - Rights of the Terminally Ill Act › Section 23-4.11-11. - Presumption of validity of declaration.

§ 23-4.11-11. Presumption of validity of declaration.
A physician or health care provider or emergency medical services personnel may presume, in the absence of actual notice to the contrary, that a declaration complies with the requirements of this chapter and is valid.
History of Section.
P.L. 1991, ch. 166, § 1; P.L. 1991, ch. 308, § 1; P.L. 1992, ch. 443, § 3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-4.11 - Rights of the Terminally Ill Act › Section 23-4.11-12. - Recognition of declaration executed in another state.

§ 23-4.11-12. Recognition of declaration executed in another state.
A declaration executed in another state in compliance with the law of that state is validly executed for purposes of this chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 1991, ch. 166, § 1; P.L. 1991, ch. 308, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-4.11 - Rights of the Terminally Ill Act › Section 23-4.11-14. - Instructional bracelets.

§ 23-4.11-14. Instructional bracelets.
(a)
Upon the request of a physician, acting on behalf of a qualified patient who does not wish to be resuscitated, the department of health shall issue a nontransferable, nonremovable bracelet to a specific qualified patient, which will be marked “DNR”, meaning “do not resuscitate”. The bracelet shall also bear the name and address of the patient and the name, address, license number and signature of the physician who has ordered the bracelet to be affixed to the patient’s wrist.
(b)
If it appears that the bracelet has been tampered with, or has been removed, any physician or emergency medical personnel shall not follow the instructions of the bracelet or former bracelet and may resuscitate the patient.
(c)
All bracelets issued by the department of health pursuant to this section shall be registered with the fire department for the city or town in which the patient resides.
(d)
The director of the department of health is empowered and directed to promulgate reasonable rules and regulations consistent with this chapter to carry out the purposes of this section.
History of Section.
P.L. 1992, ch. 443, § 4; P.L. 2001, ch. 291, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-4.11 - Rights of the Terminally Ill Act › Section 23-4.11-15. - Severability.

§ 23-4.11-15. Severability.
If any provision of this chapter or its application to any person or circumstances is held invalid, the invalidity does not affect other provisions or applications of this chapter which can be given effect without the invalid provision or application, and to this end the provisions of this chapter are severable.
History of Section.
P.L. 2001, ch. 86, § 67.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-4.12 - Partial Birth Abortion › Section 23-4.12-1. - [Repealed.]

§ 23-4.12-1. [Repealed.]
History of Section.
P.L. 1997, ch. 76, § 2; P.L. 1998, ch. 305, § 1; Repealed by P.L. 2019, ch. 27, § 6, effective June 19, 2019.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-4.12 - Partial Birth Abortion › Section 23-4.12-2. - [Repealed.]

§ 23-4.12-2. [Repealed.]
History of Section.
P.L. 1997, ch. 76, § 2; Repealed by P.L. 2019, ch. 27, § 6, effective June 19, 2019.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-4.12 - Partial Birth Abortion › Section 23-4.12-3. - [Repealed.]

§ 23-4.12-3. [Repealed.]
History of Section.
P.L. 1997, ch. 76, § 2; Repealed by P.L. 2019, ch. 27, § 6, effective June 19, 2019.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-4.12 - Partial Birth Abortion › Section 23-4.12-4. - [Repealed.]

§ 23-4.12-4. [Repealed.]
History of Section.
P.L. 1997, ch. 76, § 2; Repealed by P.L. 2019, ch. 27, § 6, effective June 19, 2019.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-4.12 - Partial Birth Abortion › Section 23-4.12-5. - [Repealed.]

§ 23-4.12-5. [Repealed.]
History of Section.
P.L. 1997, ch. 76, § 2; P.L. 1998, ch. 305, § 1; Repealed by P.L. 2019, ch. 27, § 6, effective June 19, 2019.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-4.12 - Partial Birth Abortion › Section 23-4.12-6. - [Repealed.]

§ 23-4.12-6. [Repealed.]
History of Section.
P.L. 1997, ch. 76, § 2; Repealed by P.L. 2019, ch. 27, § 6, effective June 19, 2019.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-4.13 - Reproductive Privacy Act › Section 23-4.13-1. - Short title.

§ 23-4.13-1. Short title.
This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the “Reproductive Privacy Act.”
History of Section.
P.L. 2019, ch. 27, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-4.14 - Feminine Hygiene Product Donation Act › Section 23-4.14-1. - Definitions.

§ 23-4.14-1. Definitions.
As used in this chapter:
(1)
“Apparently usable” means that a product meets all quality and labeling standards imposed by federal and state laws and regulations even if the product may not be readily marketable.
(2)
“Feminine hygiene product”:
(i)
Means a product used for a female’s menstruation or other genital-tract secretions; and
(ii)
Includes tampons and sanitary napkins.
(3)
“Person” means an individual and does not mean an association of individuals or a legal entity.
History of Section.
P.L. 2022, ch. 429, § 1, effective June 30, 2022; P.L. 2022, ch. 430, § 1, effective June 30, 2022.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-4.14 - Feminine Hygiene Product Donation Act › Section 23-4.14-2. - Immunity from liability for feminine hygiene product donors.

§ 23-4.14-2. Immunity from liability for feminine hygiene product donors.
(a)
Any person who donates in good faith an apparently usable feminine hygiene product to a bona fide charitable or nonprofit organization for free distribution to persons in need of the product is not subject to criminal penalty for violation of unfair trade practice laws or civil damages arising from the nature, age, packaging, or condition of an apparently usable feminine hygiene product.
(b)
Subsection (a) of this section shall not apply when a person’s good-faith actions constitute gross negligence or intentional misconduct that results in injury or death to a person who uses the apparently usable feminine hygiene product.
History of Section.
P.L. 2022, ch. 429, § 1, effective June 30, 2022; P.L. 2022, ch. 430, § 1, effective June 30, 2022.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-5 - Reports of Disease and Disability › Section 23-5-5. - Reporting of occupational diseases.

§ 23-5-5. Reporting of occupational diseases.
Every physician licensed by the department of health attending on or called in to evaluate a patient whom he or she believes to be suffering from an occupational disease or condition identified by the department of health in regulation as a reportable occupational disease shall within thirty (30) days of that attendance or evaluation send to the department of health a report, on a form acceptable to the director of health, stating:
(1)
Name, address, and occupation of patient.
(2)
Name, address, and business of employer.
(3)
Nature of disease.
(4)
Any other information that may be reasonably required by the department of health.
History of Section.
P.L. 1915, ch. 1226, § 1; G.L. 1923, ch. 153, § 23; G.L. 1938, ch. 255, § 18; impl. am. P.L. 1939, ch. 660, § 180; G.L. 1956, § 23-5-5; P.L. 1992, ch. 187, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-5 - Reports of Disease and Disability › Section 23-5-8. - Reports not evidence.

§ 23-5-8. Reports not evidence.
Reports made under § 23-5-5 shall not be evidence of the facts stated in the reports in any action arising out of the disease reported in the reports.
History of Section.
P.L. 1915, ch. 1226, § 3; G.L. 1923, ch. 153, § 25; G.L. 1938, ch. 255, § 20; G.L. 1956, § 23-5-8.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-5 - Reports of Disease and Disability › Section 23-5-9. - Upon death — Report of infectious disease.

§ 23-5-9. Upon death — Report of infectious disease.
(a)
As used in this section, “infectious or communicable disease” includes the following:
(1)
Infectious hepatitis;
(2)
Tuberculosis;
(3)
Rabies;
(4)
Tularemia;
(5)
Herpes simplex;
(6)
Acquired immune deficiency syndrome;
(7)
Viral hemorrhagic fever;
(8)
Gonorrhea;
(9)
Syphilis;
(10)
Burkett’s lymphoma; and
(11)
Kaposi’s sarcoma.
(b)
Notwithstanding the provisions of §§ 40.1-5-26 and 5-37.3-4, when a person who has been diagnosed as having an infectious or communicable disease dies in a hospital or other health care facility, the attending physician or other responsible officer shall prepare a written notification describing the disease to accompany the body when the body is picked up for disposition.
(c)
Notwithstanding the provisions of §§ 40.1-5-26 and 5-37.3-4, when a person dies outside of a hospital or health care facility and without an attending physician, any family member or person making arrangements for the disposition of the dead body who knows that the dead person has been diagnosed as having an infectious or communicable disease at the time of death shall make known that disposition.
(d)
Notwithstanding the provisions of §§ 40.1-5-26 and 5-37.3-4, any person who picks up or transports a dead body for disposition and who has been notified pursuant to subdivision (2) or (3) of this section shall present a notification accompanying the dead body to any embalmer, funeral director, or other person taking possession of the dead body.
(e)
Information regarding a deceased’s infectious or communicable disease contained in a notification required under this section shall be privileged and confidential and may be disclosed only if the disclosure is required under state or federal laws.
(f)
Any person having duties imposed upon him or her under subsection (b), (c), or (d) of this section who knowingly refuses or omits to perform those duties shall be subject to a fine of three hundred dollars ($300) for a first offense, five hundred dollars ($500) for a second offense, and one thousand dollars ($1000) for a third and subsequent offense within any calendar year.
History of Section.
P.L. 1987, ch. 453, § 1; P.L. 1988, ch. 503, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-5.1 - Identification of Persons Suffering from Certain Disabilities › Section 23-5.1-1. - Identification bracelet.

§ 23-5.1-1. Identification bracelet.
Any person who has epilepsy, diabetes, a cardiac condition, or any other type of illness that causes temporary blackouts, semi-conscious periods, or complete unconsciousness, is authorized to wear an identification bracelet with the person’s name, type of illness, physician’s name, and medication required, engraved, stamped, or imprinted on that bracelet.
History of Section.
P.L. 1974, ch. 251, § 1; P.L. 1999, ch. 83, § 45; P.L. 1999, ch. 130, § 45.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-5.1 - Identification of Persons Suffering from Certain Disabilities › Section 23-5.1-2. - Duty of law enforcement officers.

§ 23-5.1-2. Duty of law enforcement officers.
It shall be the duty of all law enforcement officers in this state to make a diligent effort to determine if any person they may find in a semi-conscious or unconscious condition is an epileptic or diabetic or a person who is suffering from any other type of illness which would cause semi-consciousness or unconsciousness by looking for an identification bracelet. If any law enforcement officer shall determine that an epileptic or diabetic person is actually suffering from an affliction that would cause semi-consciousness or unconsciousness, it shall be his or her duty to have the person immediately transported to a physician or to some facility where the services of a physician are available.
History of Section.
P.L. 1974, ch. 251, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-5.1 - Identification of Persons Suffering from Certain Disabilities › Section 23-5.1-3. - Penalty for misrepresentation.

§ 23-5.1-3. Penalty for misrepresentation.
Any person who willfully and knowingly falsifies an identification or deliberately misrepresents an illness that causes blackouts, unconsciousness, or semi-conscious periods as described in § 23-5.1-1 shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction shall be sentenced to pay a fine of not more than five hundred dollars ($500) or be imprisoned for not more than one year, or both.
History of Section.
P.L. 1974, ch. 251, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-6 - Prevention and Suppression of Contagious Diseases › Section 23-6-1. - Common drinking cups and towels.

§ 23-6-1. Common drinking cups and towels.
(a)
In order to prevent the spread of communicable diseases, the state department of health is authorized to prohibit, in any public places, vehicles, or buildings that it may designate, the use of a common drinking cup and a common towel, and the director may establish rules and regulations for this purpose.
(b)
Whoever violates the provisions of this section, or any rule or regulation of the state department of health made under authority of the provisions of this section, shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and may be fined not more than twenty-five dollars ($25.00) for each offense.
History of Section.
G.L. 1909, ch. 115, § 15; P.L. 1915, ch. 1238, § 1; G.L. 1923, ch. 153, § 15; G.L. 1938, ch. 255, § 12; impl. am. P.L. 1939, ch. 660, § 180; G.L. 1956, § 23-6-1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-6 - Prevention and Suppression of Contagious Diseases › Section 23-6-2. - Spitting in public places.

§ 23-6-2. Spitting in public places.
No person shall spit upon the floor, or upon the sides, or upon any of the furnishings or equipment of any public conveyance, not devoted exclusively to smoking, or of any shop, store, hall, church, schoolhouse, railroad station, or other public building, or in the hallways of any private office building or upon the steps or platforms of the conveyance or buildings, or upon the sidewalk of any public highway in this state, except into suitable receptacles provided for that purpose. Any person violating any of the provisions of this section shall be fined not exceeding twenty dollars ($20.00) for each offense.
History of Section.
P.L. 1908, ch. 1595, §§ 1, 2; G.L. 1909, ch. 110, §§ 33, 34; G.L. 1923, ch. 154, §§ 33, 34; G.L. 1938, ch. 256, §§ 33, 34; G.L. 1956, § 23-6-2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-6 - Prevention and Suppression of Contagious Diseases › Section 23-6-3. - Vaccinations provided by cities or towns.

§ 23-6-3. Vaccinations provided by cities or towns.
The city or town councils in the several cities or towns shall provide annually for the gratuitous vaccination of the inhabitants of the several cities or towns.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 94, § 28; G.L. 1909, ch. 110, § 28; G.L. 1923, ch. 154, § 28; G.L. 1938, ch. 256, § 28; G.L. 1956, § 23-6-3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-6 - Prevention and Suppression of Contagious Diseases › Section 23-6-4. - Employment of physicians for vaccinations.

§ 23-6-4. Employment of physicians for vaccinations.
The city or town councils shall contract with and provide a suitable number of physicians to vaccinate as provided in § 23-6-3 and order the city or town treasurers of the several cities or towns respectively to pay them the compensation that may be previously agreed upon; and the physicians shall give due and reasonable notice of the time and place of meeting for the purpose of vaccination.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 94, § 29; G.L. 1909, ch. 110, § 29; G.L. 1923, ch. 154, § 29; G.L. 1938, ch. 256, § 29; G.L. 1956, § 23-6-4.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-6 - Prevention and Suppression of Contagious Diseases › Section 23-6-5. - Record of vaccinations.

§ 23-6-5. Record of vaccinations.
The physicians contracted with in § 23-6-4, as soon after fulfilling their contract as may be convenient, shall deposit in the city or town clerk’s office a book in which they have respectively recorded, in a fair and legible hand, the name and age of every person they have vaccinated as provided in § 23-6-4 and also any other remarks and observations they may deem useful.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 94, § 30; G.L. 1909, ch. 110, § 30; G.L. 1923, ch. 154, § 30; G.L. 1938, ch. 256, § 30; G.L. 1956, § 23-6-5.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-6 - Prevention and Suppression of Contagious Diseases › Section 23-6-6. - Preservation of records.

§ 23-6-6. Preservation of records.
City and town clerks shall safely keep the books described in § 23-6-5 for the accommodation of those physicians and others, without any compensation, and deliver them over to their successors; but they may charge lawful fees for searching them or for any copies.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 94, § 31; G.L. 1909, ch. 110, § 31; G.L. 1923, ch. 154, § 31; G.L. 1938, ch. 256, § 31; G.L. 1956, § 23-6-6.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-6 - Prevention and Suppression of Contagious Diseases › Section 23-6-7. - Investigation and suppression of poliomyelitis.

§ 23-6-7. Investigation and suppression of poliomyelitis.
The department of health is authorized and directed to investigate any conditions associated with any case or suspected case of, or the spread of, the disease known as anterior poliomyelitis or infantile paralysis in this state and, as far as possible, to aid in the suppression of that disease.
History of Section.
P.L. 1911, ch. 728, § 2; G.L. 1923, ch. 153, § 19; G.L. 1938, ch. 255, § 16; impl. am. P.L. 1939, ch. 660, § 180; G.L. 1956, § 23-6-7.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-6 - Prevention and Suppression of Contagious Diseases › Section 23-6-8. - Local authorization of hospital or camp for communicable disease.

§ 23-6-8. Local authorization of hospital or camp for communicable disease.
No person, association, corporation, city, or town shall establish any hospital, camp, or other establishment for the treatment of patients suffering from contagious diseases or from the disease known as pulmonary tuberculosis, unless the department of health shall by resolution authorize its establishment in that city or town within definite limits to be specified in the resolution. Before authorizing the establishment of the hospital, camp, or other establishment, the department shall give public notice of the proposed site and give all persons concerned an opportunity to be heard by the department with reference to the establishment and location of the hospital, camp, or other establishment.
History of Section.
P.L. 1909, ch. 400, § 1; G.L. 1923, ch. 154, § 36; G.L. 1938, ch. 256, § 36; G.L. 1956, § 23-6-8.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-6 - Prevention and Suppression of Contagious Diseases › Section 23-6-9. - Abatement of unauthorized hospital or camp.

§ 23-6-9. Abatement of unauthorized hospital or camp.
Any hospital, camp, or other establishment, as described in § 23-6-8 established without the authority may be abated as a nuisance by any court of competent jurisdiction.
History of Section.
P.L. 1909, ch. 400, § 2; G.L. 1923, ch. 154, § 37; G.L. 1938, ch. 256, § 37; G.L. 1956, § 23-6-9.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-6.1 - Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Training Program in High Schools › Section 23-6.1-1. - Declaration of policy.

§ 23-6.1-1. Declaration of policy.
The legislature finds that there is a need to train public high school students in the life-saving technique known as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). In order to initiate this program, it is the purpose of this chapter to provide for the establishment of a pilot program of training to be administered by the department of elementary and secondary education.
History of Section.
P.L. 1981, ch. 148, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-6.1 - Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Training Program in High Schools › Section 23-6.1-2. - Cardiopulmonary resuscitation training program established.

§ 23-6.1-2. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation training program established.
(a)
The department of elementary and secondary education shall establish a cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training program for public high schools in the state. This program shall be conducted for a one-year pilot period and shall be coordinated by the department of elementary and secondary education.
(b)
The training program shall be conducted in ten (10) public high schools during the year that the state pilot program is in existence.
History of Section.
P.L. 1981, ch. 148, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-6.1 - Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Training Program in High Schools › Section 23-6.1-3. - Criteria and requirements of program.

§ 23-6.1-3. Criteria and requirements of program.
The American Heart Association, Rhode Island Affiliate, Inc., shall submit the requirements and criteria for the cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training program to the department of elementary and secondary education for approval.
History of Section.
P.L. 1981, ch. 148, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-6.1 - Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Training Program in High Schools › Section 23-6.1-4. - Promulgation of guidelines.

§ 23-6.1-4. Promulgation of guidelines.
The department of elementary and secondary education shall promulgate program guidelines and take any other actions that will promote the full implementation of all provisions of this chapter. A copy of the program guidelines issued by the department shall be sent to all participating high schools in the state.
History of Section.
P.L. 1981, ch. 148, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-6.1 - Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Training Program in High Schools › Section 23-6.1-5. - Appropriations.

§ 23-6.1-5. Appropriations.
The general assembly shall appropriate the sum of fifteen thousand dollars ($15,000), to be administered by the department of elementary and secondary education, to carry out the purpose of this chapter, and the state controller is authorized and directed to draw his or her orders upon the general treasurer for the payment of that sum or so much of that sum as may be required from time to time, upon receipt by him or her of proper vouchers duly authenticated.
History of Section.
P.L. 1981, ch. 148, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-6.2 - Public Access Defibrillation › Section 23-6.2-1. - Declaration of policy.

§ 23-6.2-1. Declaration of policy.
(a)
The legislature recognizes the work of the American Heart Association in establishing that heart disease is a leading cause of death in this country as over three hundred and fifty thousand (350,000) Americans, including three thousand (3,000) Rhode Islanders, die from sudden cardiac arrest every year. Rhode Islanders currently have a survival rate of over five percent (5%) to ten percent (10%) in instances of sudden cardiac arrests occurring outside of hospitals.
(b)
Greater public access to defibrillation devices may increase the rate of survival in those instances by up to forty-four percent (44%).
(c)
It is the intent and purpose of this chapter to provide greater public access to defibrillators by distributing those devices to law enforcement and safety personnel throughout the state.
History of Section.
P.L. 1998, ch. 82, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-6.2 - Public Access Defibrillation › Section 23-6.2-2. - State to provide and distribute defibrillators.

§ 23-6.2-2. State to provide and distribute defibrillators.
On or after September 30, 1998, the Rhode Island municipal police academy, after consultation with the coalition for public safety defibrillators, shall provide two (2) defibrillators for distribution to each and every city or town in the state, one defibrillator to the State House, one defibrillator to each campus of the University of Rhode Island, one defibrillator to Rhode Island College, and one defibrillator to each campus of the Community College of Rhode Island. On or after July 1, 1999, thirty-five (35) defibrillators shall be provided to the Rhode Island state police; two (2) defibrillators to the Licht Judicial Complex, two (2) defibrillators to the Garrahy Judicial Complex, two (2) defibrillators to the Kent County Leighton Judicial Complex, one defibrillator to the Washington County McGrath Judicial Complex, one defibrillator to the Newport County Murray Judicial Complex, and fifty (50) automated external defibrillators to cities or towns within the state based upon current deployment levels of automated external defibrillators, population, and geographic need. These devices shall be placed in the possession of the chief and/or the highest ranking member of the municipality’s police department, the Rhode Island state police, the capitol police in the State House, the sheriff’s department in each county judicial complex, the director of public safety or the chief of the campus police at the University of Rhode Island, the director of public safety or the chief of the department of security and safety at Rhode Island College, the director of public safety or the chief of campus police at the Community College of Rhode Island, or the Rhode Island state police in those municipalities where the state police provide law enforcement service, to be deployed by that officer in the manner in which he or she determines will best promote the availability of and access to the defibrillator by the general public. Provided that one or both defibrillators may be deployed to the municipality’s fire department if the police chief determines that that deployment would best promote the intent and purpose of this chapter. These defibrillators will at all times be deployed and used in accordance with all applicable federal and state statutes. The Rhode Island municipal police academy will, in consultation with the coalition for public safety defibrillation, also provide training in cardiopulmonary resuscitation and automated external defibrillator use for all law enforcement personnel serving the municipalities and agencies referenced in this section to which automated external defibrillators have been provided.
History of Section.
P.L. 1998, ch. 82, § 1; P.L. 1999, ch. 185, § 1; P.L. 2000, ch. 209, § 1; P.L. 2000, ch. 258, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-6.3 - Prevention and Suppression of Contagious Diseases — HIV/AIDS › Section 23-6.3-1. - Purpose.

§ 23-6.3-1. Purpose.
The purpose of this chapter is to reduce vulnerability to HIV/AIDS transmission, protect persons who are infected with HIV from discrimination, ensure informed consent for testing, and to provide consistent terms and standards within this title and as applicable to chapters 34.1 and 37 of title 11, chapter 28 of title 21, and chapter 24 of title 40.1.
History of Section.
P.L. 2009, ch. 196, § 1; P.L. 2009, ch. 289, § 1; P.L. 2010, ch. 239, § 18.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-6.3 - Prevention and Suppression of Contagious Diseases — HIV/AIDS › Section 23-6.3-5. - Reasonable efforts to secure consent.

§ 23-6.3-5. Reasonable efforts to secure consent.
No involuntary testing for HIV shall take place under any of the exceptions set forth in § 23-6.3-4, unless reasonable efforts have been made to: (1) Secure voluntary consent from the individual to be tested, or in the case of a minor patient, from the legal parent or guardian of the minor patient; and (2) Provide verbal or written information as specified in § 23-6.3-3(h).
History of Section.
P.L. 2009, ch. 196, § 1; P.L. 2009, ch. 289, § 1.