reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-7.1 - Rodent Control and Eradication › Section 23-7.1-4. - Powers and duties of the director.

§ 23-7.1-4. Powers and duties of the director.
It shall be the responsibility of the director to administer this chapter. In addition to the other powers and duties granted in this chapter, the director shall have and may exercise the following powers and duties:
(1)
Exercise general supervision of the administration and enforcement of this chapter.
(2)
Promulgate statewide minimum standards for rodent control and any other rules and regulations that may be necessary to further the purposes of this chapter.
(3)
Advise, consult, and cooperate with the local communities in furthering the purposes of this chapter.
(4)
Assist the local communities in the preparation of rodent control programs and in the preparation of applications to the federal government for the financing of rodent control programs.
(5)
Make agreements with local communities with respect to state financing pursuant to this chapter and certify disbursements pursuant to those agreements.
(6)
Make available, so far as is feasible and practicable, technical and advisory assistance to aid the local communities in furthering the purposes of this chapter.
(7)
Foster and establish continuing biological studies as part of the department of health’s program for the systematic control and eradication of rodents.
(8)
Exercise all incidental powers necessary to carry out the purposes of this chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 1968, ch. 277, § 1: G.L. 1956, § 23-45-4; P.L. 1979, ch. 39, § 1: G.L. 1956, § 23-7.1-4.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-7.1 - Rodent Control and Eradication › Section 23-7.1-5. - Contributions to local communities.

§ 23-7.1-5. Contributions to local communities.
The state may contribute to local communities for comprehensive rodent control programs approved by the director an amount not to exceed one-half (½) of the cost of those programs as determined by the director. If any rodent control programs receive financing from the federal government, the state contribution may not exceed one-half (½) of the excess of the cost of those programs over the federal grant-in-aid for those programs as follows:
(1)
If the federal government is financing a given percentage of the total costs of a program, the state contribution will be fixed as a percentage of the total costs and state disbursements will be made on a pro-rata basis at the time disbursements are made by the federal government.
(2)
If certain costs are not eligible for federal financing, the director shall nevertheless have the discretion to include those costs in the local contribution for the purpose of determining the maximum state contribution. In those cases, the disbursements of the state contribution will be related to the federal disbursements to the greatest extent possible.
(3)
Costs of the department of health attributable to carrying out its duties pursuant to this chapter as well as its regular activities with respect to environmental health will not be counted in determining the maximum amount of the state contribution.
History of Section.
P.L. 1968, ch. 277, § 1: G.L. 1956, § 23-7.1-5; P.L. 1979, ch. 39, § 1: G.L. 1956, § 23-7.1-5.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-7.1 - Rodent Control and Eradication › Section 23-7.1-6. - Penalty for violation.

§ 23-7.1-6. Penalty for violation.
Any person who shall knowingly violate any rule or regulation promulgated by the director pursuant to this chapter shall be fined not more than five hundred dollars ($500).
History of Section.
P.L. 1968, ch. 277, § 1: G.L. 1956, § 23-45-6; P.L. 1979, ch. 39, § 1: G.L. 1956, § 23-7.1-6.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-7.1 - Rodent Control and Eradication › Section 23-7.1-7. - Bite report not violation of physician-patient relationship.

§ 23-7.1-7. Bite report not violation of physician-patient relationship.
Any report of rodent bites made pursuant to regulations promulgated by the director shall not be deemed a violation of the physician-patient relationship or otherwise contrary to the ethics of the medical profession.
History of Section.
P.L. 1968, ch. 277, § 1: G.L. 1956, § 23-45-7; P.L. 1979, ch. 39, § 1: G.L. 1956, § 23-7.1-7.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-7.1 - Rodent Control and Eradication › Section 23-7.1-8. - Severability.

§ 23-7.1-8. 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 applications of this chapter which can be given effect without the invalid provision or application, and to this end the provisions of the chapter are declared to be severable.
History of Section.
P.L. 1968, ch. 277, § 1: G.L. 1956, § 23-45-8; P.L. 1979, ch. 39, § 1: G.L. 1956, § 23-7.1-8.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-8 - Quarantine Generally › Section 23-8-1. - Reports of communicable diseases.

§ 23-8-1. Reports of communicable diseases.
In addition to the provisions of chapters 10 and 11 of this title, the director of health may by regulation declare any disease to be a reportable disease. Every physician or other person having knowledge of a case or suspected case of a reportable disease shall give notice to the department of health in a manner prescribed by the director. The director may add or remove, at any time, the name of any disease to or from the list of diseases which he or she shall declare to be reportable and may, at any time, revise the manner of reporting. The regulations in respect to the reportable diseases shall state the time within which the notification to the department of health must be made, the individual by whom it is to be made, the method, whether by writing, telegraph, or telephone, in which it shall be made, and whether the case or suspected case is to be identified by name, address, and date of onset of illness.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 94, § 13; G.L. 1909, ch. 110, § 13; P.L. 1916, ch. 1382, § 1; G.L. 1923, ch. 154, § 13; P.L. 1931, ch. 1766, § 2; G.L. 1938, ch. 256, § 13; P.L. 1942, ch. 1159, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 23-8-1; P.L. 1963, ch. 88, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-8 - Quarantine Generally › Section 23-8-1.1. - Consent to testing and treatment — Reportable — Communicable diseases.

§ 23-8-1.1. Consent to testing and treatment — Reportable — Communicable diseases.
Persons under eighteen (18) years of age may give legal consent for testing, examination, and/or treatment for any reportable communicable disease.
History of Section.
P.L. 1990, ch. 169, § 6.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-8 - Quarantine Generally › Section 23-8-2. - Authority of the governor to authorize immunization programs.

§ 23-8-2. Authority of the governor to authorize immunization programs.
Whenever it shall be determined by the governor that a voluntary mass immunization program is necessary to protect the health and welfare of the people, he or she may issue a proclamation authorizing the program, and a copy of the proclamation shall be filed in the office of the secretary of state. All individuals or public or private agencies that participate in the authorized mass immunization projects shall not be liable to any person who experiences or purports to experience adverse effects arising from the immunization or attendant procedures; provided, however, that informed consent is obtained. Nothing in this chapter shall exempt from liability for gross negligence any individual or public or private agency participating in an authorized mass immunization project, nor shall the provisions of this chapter exempt any drug manufacturer from any liability, regardless of the degree of negligence for any drug or vaccine used in the projects.
History of Section.
P.L. 1976, ch. 316, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-8 - Quarantine Generally › Section 23-8-4. - Quarantine.

§ 23-8-4. Quarantine.
If the state director of health, or his or her duly authorized agent, determines, upon investigation, that a threat to the public health exists because any person is suffering, or appears to be suffering, from a communicable disease, the director or his or her authorized agent may require or provide that person to be confined, in some proper place, for the purpose of isolation or quarantine, or another less restrictive intervention treatment, including, but not limited to, immunization, treatment, exclusion or other protective actions until the threat to the public health has abated. Nothing in this section shall be construed to prevent a person who is unable or unwilling for reasons of health, religion, or conscience to undergo immunization or treatment from choosing to submit to quarantine or isolation as an alternative to immunization or treatment. Orders under this chapter shall be in accordance with the procedures for compliance order and immediate compliance orders set forth in §§ 23-1-20 — 23-1-24. A person subject to quarantine under this section shall be entitled to file a petition for relief from such order at any time, included, but not limited to, a petition based upon compliance with a treatment under less restrictive alternatives.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 94, § 15; G.L. 1909, ch. 110, § 15; G.L. 1923, ch. 154, § 15; G.L. 1938, ch. 256, § 15; G.L. 1956, § 23-8-4; P.L. 1967, ch. 60, § 1; P.L. 2003, ch. 185, § 2; P.L. 2003, ch. 189, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-8 - Quarantine Generally › Section 23-8-4.1. - Power to examine suspected cases — Right of individual to own physician.

§ 23-8-4.1. Power to examine suspected cases — Right of individual to own physician.
For the purpose of carrying out the provisions of this chapter, the state department of health is empowered to make examinations of persons reasonably suspected of having a communicable disease; provided, however, that any person so examined shall have the right to have present at that examination, a physician of his or her own choice, at his or her own expense. The state department of health shall inform him or her of this right and afford him or her a reasonable opportunity to exercise that right; and at the trial of any person being prosecuted under the provisions of § 23-1-25, the prosecution must demonstrate that he or she was so informed and was afforded that opportunity.
History of Section.
P.L. 2003, ch. 185, § 3; P.L. 2003, ch. 189, § 3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-8 - Quarantine Generally › Section 23-8-7. - Violation of quarantine.

§ 23-8-7. Violation of quarantine.
Any person who is confined by the director or his or her authorized agent under the provision of § 23-8-4 and who violates that confinement shall be punished by a fine of not more than fifty dollars ($50.00) or by imprisonment for not more than ninety (90) days, or both.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 94, § 24; G.L. 1909, ch. 110, § 24; G.L. 1923, ch. 154, § 24; G.L. 1938, ch. 256, § 24; G.L. 1956, § 23-8-7; P.L. 1967, ch. 60, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-8 - Quarantine Generally › Section 23-8-18. - Proclamation of general quarantine.

§ 23-8-18. Proclamation of general quarantine.
The power to establish quarantine in this state shall also be vested in the governor; and whenever the governor shall deem it advisable for the preservation of public health and the prevention of the spread of infectious diseases, he or she may, by proclamation, place under quarantine the whole state or that portion of the state that he or she may deem necessary, and he or she shall authorize and empower the state director of health to take any action and make and enforce any rules and regulations that may be deemed necessary to prevent the introduction and to restrict the spread of infectious diseases in the state.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 95, § 13; G.L. 1909, ch. 114, § 13; G.L. 1923, ch. 157, § 13; G.L. 1938, ch. 258, § 13; impl. am. P.L. 1939, ch. 660, § 180; G.L. 1956, § 23-8-18.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-8 - Quarantine Generally › Section 23-8-19. - Compliance with quarantine by transportation agencies.

§ 23-8-19. Compliance with quarantine by transportation agencies.
Whenever quarantine is declared, all railroad and steamboat corporations, stage lines, the owners, assignees, officials, and employees of those companies, and all vehicles and modes of conveyance of passengers, baggage, and freight, shall observe and comply with the rules and regulations made by the director of health; and any person knowingly violating any of the rules and regulations of the director shall, upon conviction, be fined not more than fifty dollars ($50.00), or be imprisoned not more than two (2) years.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 95, § 14; G.L. 1909, ch. 114, § 14; G.L. 1923, ch. 157, § 14; G.L. 1938, ch. 258, § 14; impl. am. P.L. 1939, ch. 660, § 180; G.L. 1956, § 23-8-19.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-8 - Quarantine Generally › Section 23-8-20. - Expense of quarantine and suppression of disease.

§ 23-8-20. Expense of quarantine and suppression of disease.
The state department of health, with the approval of the governor, may incur all necessary expenses for preventing and restricting the prevalence of epidemic diseases and of carrying out the provisions of §§ 23-8-18 and 23-8-19, and the state controller shall draw his or her orders upon the general treasurer for the payment of those expenses out of any money in the treasury not otherwise appropriated, upon receipt of itemized bills for those expenses approved by the governor.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 95, § 15; G.L. 1909, ch. 114, § 15; G.L. 1923, ch. 157, § 15; G.L. 1938, ch. 258, § 15; impl. am. P.L. 1939, ch. 660, §§ 65, 180; G.L. 1956, § 23-8-20.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-8 - Quarantine Generally › Section 23-8-21. - Ship quarantine powers preserved — Local enforcement of quarantine — Rules and regulations — Penalty.

§ 23-8-21. Ship quarantine powers preserved — Local enforcement of quarantine — Rules and regulations — Penalty.
Nothing in §§ 23-8-18 — 23-8-20 shall be construed to impair the validity of any rules and regulations made and in force under the provisions of §§ 23-9-1 — 23-9-11, nor to abridge the powers of any officer mentioned in §§ 23-9-1 — 23-9-11; and every officer shall also have power, within the city or town for which he or she was appointed, to enforce, during the period that any proclamation made by the governor for the purpose of establishing quarantine shall be in force, all rules and regulations made by the state director of health; and it shall be the duty of the several city and town councils to require those officers to enforce the rules and regulations mentioned and referred to in this section within their respective cities and towns; provided, that the director of health, during the period when any proclamation of quarantine shall be in force, shall have power at any time, and from time to time, to suspend any of the rules and regulations mentioned and referred to in this section, and to make and establish rules and regulations in substitution for them and in addition to them, respecting quarantine in any city or town, and that any person knowingly violating any of those rules and regulations so made and established shall, upon conviction, be fined not more than fifty dollars ($50.00) or be imprisoned not more than two (2) years; and provided, further, that any and all powers and duties in this chapter conferred and imposed upon any officer or city or town council shall, during any quarantine period, be exercised and performed by that officer or city or town council subject to the orders and directions of the director of health.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 95, § 16; G.L. 1909, ch. 114, § 16; G.L. 1923, ch. 157, § 16; G.L. 1938, ch. 258, § 16; impl. am. P.L. 1939, ch. 660, § 180; G.L. 1956, § 23-8-21.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-9 - Quarantine of Vessels › Section 23-9-1. - Appointment of seaport health officers — Duties and compensation.

§ 23-9-1. Appointment of seaport health officers — Duties and compensation.
Each seaport city or town, or the city or town council of each seaport city or town, may appoint a health officer for the city or town who shall visit all vessels which shall be subject to examination of quarantine, and carry into execution all regulations established by the city or town council, and shall be at all times accountable to the city or town council, and shall receive for his or her services compensation that the council may allow, to be paid by the owners, agents or commanders of any vessels that may be subjected to quarantine or examination.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 95, § 1; G.L. 1909, ch. 114, § 1; G.L. 1923, ch. 157, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 258, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 23-9-1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-9 - Quarantine of Vessels › Section 23-9-2. - Publication of city or town quarantine regulations.

§ 23-9-2. Publication of city or town quarantine regulations.
The city or town council shall publish in one or more newspapers published in the state, within or nearest the city or town where the rules and regulations shall be adopted, at the expense of the city or town, all rules and regulations made by it respecting quarantine.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 95, § 2; G.L. 1909, ch. 114, § 2; G.L. 1923, ch. 157, § 2; G.L. 1938, ch. 258, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 23-9-2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-9 - Quarantine of Vessels › Section 23-9-3. - Places from which vessels arriving are subject to quarantine.

§ 23-9-3. Places from which vessels arriving are subject to quarantine.
The city or town council shall prescribe from time to time the several ports, places, or countries from which vessels arriving shall be subject to examination or quarantine.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 95, § 3; G.L. 1909, ch. 114, § 3; G.L. 1923, ch. 157, § 3; G.L. 1938, ch. 258, § 3; G.L. 1956, § 23-9-3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-9 - Quarantine of Vessels › Section 23-9-4. - Designation of time and place of quarantine.

§ 23-9-4. Designation of time and place of quarantine.
The city or town council shall designate the particular place in the harbor, bay, or river adjacent to the city or town where all arriving ships or vessels subject to examination or quarantine shall come to anchor; and shall define the limits of the quarantine ground, and assign the time for which those ships or vessels shall be detained, and where and how unladen.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 95, § 4; G.L. 1909, ch. 114, § 4; G.L. 1923, ch. 157, § 4; G.L. 1938, ch. 258, § 4; G.L. 1956, § 23-9-4.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-9 - Quarantine of Vessels › Section 23-9-5. - Sentinel to order ships into quarantine.

§ 23-9-5. Sentinel to order ships into quarantine.
The city or town council may appoint a sentinel, who shall be paid by the city or town and stationed in some convenient place on shore, or in some properly situated boat or vessel, to hail all ships or vessels which may arrive in that river, bay, or harbor; and if the sentinel shall find that any ship or vessel is subject to quarantine, he or she shall direct the commander of that ship or vessel to come to anchor within the limits of that quarantine ground, and remain there until visited by the health officer, and to place a signal in the shrouds of the vessel in a manner as to be seen at a proper distance.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 95, § 5; G.L. 1909, ch. 114, § 5; G.L. 1923, ch. 157, § 5; G.L. 1938, ch. 258, § 5; G.L. 1956, § 23-9-5.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-9 - Quarantine of Vessels › Section 23-9-6. - Penalty for refusal to anchor in quarantine.

§ 23-9-6. Penalty for refusal to anchor in quarantine.
Every commander of a ship or vessel who shall, upon being hailed and directed by the sentinel, refuse or neglect to bring his or her ship or vessel to anchor within the limits as described in § 23-9-4, shall be fined not exceeding five hundred dollars ($500) nor less than twenty dollars ($20.00), to the use of the city or town.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 95, § 6; G.L. 1909, ch. 114, § 6; G.L. 1923, ch. 157, § 6; G.L. 1938, ch. 258, § 6; G.L. 1956, § 23-9-6; P.L. 2001, ch. 86, § 68.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-9 - Quarantine of Vessels › Section 23-9-7. - Council order to anchor in quarantine.

§ 23-9-7. Council order to anchor in quarantine.
The city or town council may order a ship or vessel to be anchored on the quarantine ground, at the expense of the owners, master, or commanding officer of the ship or vessel, to remain there until legally discharged from the quarantine ground.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 95, § 7; G.L. 1909, ch. 114, § 7; G.L. 1923, ch. 157, § 7; G.L. 1938, ch. 258, § 7; G.L. 1956, § 23-9-7.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-9 - Quarantine of Vessels › Section 23-9-8. - Unauthorized departure from vessel under quarantine.

§ 23-9-8. Unauthorized departure from vessel under quarantine.
Every person who shall leave any ship or vessel under order of quarantine without permission from the health officer or the city or town council of that city or town, shall be fined not exceeding twenty dollars ($20.00); and the city or town council may order that person to be returned on board of that vessel, and to remain there until the council orders him or her to be dismissed.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 95, § 8; G.L. 1909, ch. 114, § 8; G.L. 1923, ch. 157, § 8; G.L. 1938, ch. 258, § 8; G.L. 1956, § 23-9-8.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-9 - Quarantine of Vessels › Section 23-9-9. - Quarantine of vessels bound for Providence.

§ 23-9-9. Quarantine of vessels bound for Providence.
If any vessel shall arrive in the waters of the state bound to the port of Providence at any time while the quarantine regulations of the city of Providence are in force, no person on board that vessel shall leave it until it has been visited and examined by the health officer of Providence, and permission to land has been given by that health officer or by the city council of Providence to that person to enter the city. Every person leaving that vessel without first obtaining permission, shall be fined not exceeding twenty dollars ($20.00); and the city council may cause that person to be returned to the vessel in case it is under quarantine, and to remain there until permitted to depart.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 95, §§ 9, 10; G.L. 1909, ch. 114, §§ 9, 10; G.L. 1923, ch. 157, §§ 9, 10; G.L. 1938, ch. 258, §§ 9, 10; G.L. 1956, § 23-9-9.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-9 - Quarantine of Vessels › Section 23-9-10. - Enforcement by sheriffs, sergeants, and constables.

§ 23-9-10. Enforcement by sheriffs, sergeants, and constables.
Every sheriff, deputy sheriff, town sergeant, and town constable shall carry the rules and regulations of the city or town council within his or her precinct into effect.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 95, § 11; G.L. 1909, ch. 114, § 11; G.L. 1923, ch. 157, § 11; G.L. 1938, ch. 258, § 11; G.L. 1956, § 23-9-10; P.L. 2015, ch. 260, § 29; P.L. 2015, ch. 275, § 29.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-9 - Quarantine of Vessels › Section 23-9-11. - Disposition of fines.

§ 23-9-11. Disposition of fines.
The fines for the violation of any of the provisions of this chapter shall be recovered to the use of the city or town where the offense was committed.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 95, § 12; G.L. 1909, ch. 114, § 12; G.L. 1923, ch. 157, § 12; G.L. 1938, ch. 258, § 12; G.L. 1956, § 23-9-11.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-9 - Quarantine of Vessels › Section 23-9-12. - Federal quarantine system superseding Providence regulations.

§ 23-9-12. Federal quarantine system superseding Providence regulations.
Whenever the United States of America shall put in force a system of national quarantine inspection for the port of Providence, the duties of the quarantine health officer and sentinel of that city shall be suspended for so long a period as the quarantine inspection shall be maintained, and whenever the United States shall establish a quarantine station, ground, or anchorage on or in the Providence River or Narragansett Bay, north of Conimicut Point, and put in force a complete system of national quarantine for the port of Providence, the provisions of §§ 23-9-1 — 23-9-11 shall not apply to the city of Providence or the port of Providence.
History of Section.
G.L. 1909, ch. 114, § 17; P.L. 1912, ch. 801, § 1; G.L. 1923, ch. 157, § 17; G.L. 1938, ch. 258, § 17; G.L. 1956, § 23-9-12.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-9 - Quarantine of Vessels › Section 23-9-14. - Hoisting of quarantine colors.

§ 23-9-14. Hoisting of quarantine colors.
The commander of a vessel as described in this chapter, on his or her arrival in any of the waters of the state, shall immediately hoist and keep his or her colors in the shrouds of that vessel as a signal that he or she has come from some infected place or has infection or contagion on board.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 94, § 2; G.L. 1909, ch. 110, § 2; G.L. 1923, ch. 154, § 2; G.L. 1938, ch. 256, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 23-9-14; P.L. 2008, ch. 475, § 40.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-9 - Quarantine of Vessels › Section 23-9-15. - Unauthorized departure from infected vessel.

§ 23-9-15. Unauthorized departure from infected vessel.
If any person shall come on shore from on board a vessel as described in this chapter without first obtaining a license, the city or town council may immediately send that offender back on board that vessel, or confine him or her on shore in a convenient place that appears to the city or town council most effectual to prevent the spreading of any infection; and the offending person shall satisfy and pay all charges that shall arise on the confinement, and shall be fined forty dollars ($40.00).
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 94, § 3; G.L. 1909, ch. 110, § 3; G.L. 1923, ch. 154, § 3; G.L. 1938, ch. 256, § 3; G.L. 1956, § 23-9-15; P.L. 2008, ch. 475, § 40.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-9 - Quarantine of Vessels › Section 23-9-16. - Examination of vessel — Guards to prevent unauthorized communication.

§ 23-9-16. Examination of vessel — Guards to prevent unauthorized communication.
The city or town council of the city or town where a vessel as described in this chapter arrives shall send a physician or other suitable person to examine and report to them of the true state of that vessel and the people on board, at the charge of the master or owner of that vessel; and they shall immediately put on board that vessel some suitable person or persons to secure that vessel and effectually prevent any communication with that vessel, at the like charge of the master or owner of that vessel.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 94, § 4; G.L. 1909, ch. 110, § 4; G.L. 1923, ch. 154, § 4; G.L. 1938, ch. 256, § 4; G.L. 1956, § 23-9-16; P.L. 2008, ch. 475, § 40.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-9 - Quarantine of Vessels › Section 23-9-17. - Confinement or removal of persons on board.

§ 23-9-17. Confinement or removal of persons on board.
The city or town council of the city or town where a vessel as described in this chapter arrives shall confine on board that vessel, or send to some hospital or other suitable place, all persons who came in that vessel, for a convenient time, until those of them that have, or are likely to have, the smallpox or other infectious or contagious distemper are perfectly recovered and cleansed from that distemper, or have passed a suitable quarantine, and also all persons who have gone on board that vessel without license, at the charge and expense of those persons respectively.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 94, § 5; G.L. 1909, ch. 110, § 5; G.L. 1923, ch. 154, § 5; G.L. 1938, ch. 256, § 5; G.L. 1956, § 23-9-17; P.L. 2008, ch. 475, § 40.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-9 - Quarantine of Vessels › Section 23-9-18. - Disinfection of imported goods.

§ 23-9-18. Disinfection of imported goods.
The city or town council of a city or town where a vessel as described in this chapter arrives shall appoint suitable persons to take effectual care that all goods, wares, and merchandise imported in that vessel which they think may hold and communicate the infection or contagion are landed in some suitable place to be appointed by the council and cleansed in the manner directed by the council before they are permitted to be brought into any house, shop, or warehouse, other than that in which they are cleansed.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 94, § 6; G.L. 1909, ch. 110, § 6; G.L. 1923, ch. 154, § 6; G.L. 1938, ch. 256, § 6; G.L. 1956, § 23-9-18; P.L. 2008, ch. 475, § 40.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-9 - Quarantine of Vessels › Section 23-9-19. - Certification and delivery of disinfected goods — Expense of disinfection.

§ 23-9-19. Certification and delivery of disinfected goods — Expense of disinfection.
Whenever infected or contagious goods are sufficiently aired and cleansed, those persons described in § 23-9-18 shall give the owners or persons entitled to possession of those goods a certificate to that effect; and the city or town council shall allow and order those goods, wares, and merchandise to be delivered to their owners; and the charge and expense of airing, landing, and cleansing those goods, wares, and merchandise shall be borne by the respective owners; and that charge shall be a lien on those goods, wares, and merchandise.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 94, § 7; G.L. 1909, ch. 110, § 7; G.L. 1923, ch. 154, § 7; G.L. 1938, ch. 256, § 7; G.L. 1956, § 23-9-19.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-9 - Quarantine of Vessels › Section 23-9-20. - Delivery of goods not infected — Cleansing or destruction of infected goods.

§ 23-9-20. Delivery of goods not infected — Cleansing or destruction of infected goods.
All goods that are judged by the city or town council not to be infected shall be delivered to the owners without delay and expense of airing and as soon as may be consistent with the safety of the city or town; and all goods, wares, and merchandise imported into any city or town by land from any place infected with the smallpox or other contagious or infectious distemper, shall be aired and cleansed at the discretion of the city or town council of that city or town and at the expense of their owners, or destroyed if necessary.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 94, § 8; G.L. 1909, ch. 110, § 8; G.L. 1923, ch. 154, § 8; G.L. 1938, ch. 256, § 8; G.L. 1956, § 23-9-20.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-9 - Quarantine of Vessels › Section 23-9-21. - Forfeiture of unlawfully imported goods.

§ 23-9-21. Forfeiture of unlawfully imported goods.
All goods imported in a vessel as described in this chapter that shall be clandestinely landed or brought into any house, shop, or warehouse without a certificate and allowance as provided in § 23-9-19, or that shall be imported by land as provided in § 23-9-20 and not cleansed or aired by order of the city or town council, shall be forfeited; one-third (⅓) of those goods to the use of the state and two-thirds (⅔) to the use of the person who shall sue for the goods.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 94, § 9; G.L. 1909, ch. 110, § 9; G.L. 1923, ch. 154, § 9; G.L. 1938, ch. 256, § 9; G.L. 1956, § 23-9-21; P.L. 2008, ch. 475, § 40.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-9 - Quarantine of Vessels › Section 23-9-22. - Settlement of wages and charges.

§ 23-9-22. Settlement of wages and charges.
The city and town councils of the respective cities and towns shall fix, settle, and adjust all wages and charges demanded by persons employed by them to secure a vessel, or to air and cleanse those goods, or to attend upon and nurse those persons as provided in this chapter.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 94, § 10; G.L. 1909, ch. 110, § 10; G.L. 1923, ch. 154, § 10; G.L. 1938, ch. 256, § 10; G.L. 1956, § 23-9-22.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-9 - Quarantine of Vessels › Section 23-9-23. - Action for recovery of expenses.

§ 23-9-23. Action for recovery of expenses.
If any owner, freighter, mariner, or passenger shall refuse to pay those wages and charges settled, adjusted, and fixed pursuant to § 23-9-22, then the city or town shall sue for and recover those wages and charges, and the court where the action is brought and maintained shall tax double costs for the plaintiff.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 94, § 11; G.L. 1909, ch. 110, § 11; G.L. 1923, ch. 154, § 11; G.L. 1938, ch. 256, § 11; G.L. 1956, § 23-9-23.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-9 - Quarantine of Vessels › Section 23-9-24. - Waters under concurrent jurisdiction of Newport.

§ 23-9-24. Waters under concurrent jurisdiction of Newport.
The health officer of the city of Newport shall, under the direction of the council of that city, have authority concurrent with the city or town councils of the several cities or towns in the county of Newport bordering on the public waters of the state in all matters arising under this chapter in relation to any vessel coming within Dutch Island Harbor or within the waters of the East River below the bridges between Portsmouth and Tiverton.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 94, § 32; G.L. 1909, ch. 110, § 32; G.L. 1923, ch. 154, § 32; G.L. 1938, ch. 256, § 32; G.L. 1956, § 23-9-24.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-10 - Tuberculosis › Section 23-10-1. - Report of tubercular cases by state institutions.

§ 23-10-1. Report of tubercular cases by state institutions.
The superintendent or other person in charge or control of any hospital, school, reformatory, or other institution, deriving the whole or any part of its support from the public funds of the state, having in charge or under its care or custody any person or persons suffering with tuberculosis, shall, within forty-eight (48) hours after recognition of that disease, make or cause to be made in the manner and form prescribed by the state department of health a record of the name, age, sex, color, race, occupation, social condition, and residence of the person or persons, so affected, together with any other appropriate information that may be demanded by the state department of health. That information shall be furnished on blanks supplied by the state department of health, and that information shall be forwarded each week to the office of the director of health, on those blanks. Any superintendent, or any other person, charged with any duty under this section who shall fail or refuse to comply with the requirements of this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction shall be fined not more than twenty-five dollars ($25.00).
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 96, § 11; P.L. 1909, ch. 386, § 1; G.L. 1923, ch. 153, § 11; G.L. 1938, ch. 255, § 9; P.L. 1939, ch. 713, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 23-10-1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-10 - Tuberculosis › Section 23-10-2. - Reports by physicians.

§ 23-10-2. Reports by physicians.
Whenever any physician knows that any person under his or her professional care is affected with tuberculosis, he or she shall transmit to the director of the state department of health within seven (7) days, upon blanks provided by the state department of health for that purpose, the name, sex, age, color, race, occupation, social condition, and residence of that person. Any physician failing or refusing to comply with the requirements of this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction shall be subject to a fine of ten dollars ($10.00).
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 96, § 12; P.L. 1909, ch. 386, § 1; G.L. 1923, ch. 153, § 12; G.L. 1938, ch. 255, § 10; P.L. 1939, ch. 713, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 23-10-2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-10 - Tuberculosis › Section 23-10-3. - Prosecution of violations.

§ 23-10-3. Prosecution of violations.
It shall be the duty of the director of health to report to the prosecuting officers of the different cities and towns in this state any violation of the requirements of §§ 23-10-1 and 23-10-2, and it shall be the duty of the prosecuting officers of the several cities and towns to immediately obtain warrants for the apprehension of persons violating the requirements of §§ 23-10-1 and 23-10-2.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 96, § 13; P.L. 1909, ch. 386, § 1; G.L. 1923, ch. 153, § 13; G.L. 1938, ch. 255, § 11; impl. am. P.L. 1939, ch. 660, § 180; G.L. 1956, § 23-10-3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-10 - Tuberculosis › Section 23-10-4. - Register of tubercular cases.

§ 23-10-4. Register of tubercular cases.
It shall be the duty of the state department of health to keep a register of all persons in this state known to be affected with tuberculosis. The state department of health shall have sole, exclusive control of that register and shall not permit its inspection nor disclose any of its personal particulars except to officials authorized under the laws of this state to receive that information.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 96, § 10; P.L. 1909, ch. 386, § 1; G.L. 1923, ch. 153, § 10; G.L. 1938, ch. 255, § 8; P.L. 1939, ch. 713, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 23-10-4.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-10 - Tuberculosis › Section 23-10-5. - Transmission of reports to local agencies.

§ 23-10-5. Transmission of reports to local agencies.
The state department of health shall be authorized to submit reports of cases of tuberculosis which it receives and has on file in its register to city and town health departments and to other community agencies, voluntary and official, properly organized to receive those reports, capable of maintaining an adequate system of tuberculosis control within their respective communities.
History of Section.
G.L. 1938, ch. 255, § 15; P.L. 1939, ch. 713, § 2; G.L. 1938, ch. 255, § 151/2; P.L. 1941, ch. 1014, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 23-10-5.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-10 - Tuberculosis › Section 23-10-7. - Laboratory culture for tuberculosis.

§ 23-10-7. Laboratory culture for tuberculosis.
All biological samples or specimens taken from Rhode Island residents for the purpose of performing laboratory culture for tuberculosis (Mycobacterium tuberculosis) or for determining antibiotic sensitivities of cases of tuberculosis, by or under the direction or order of any physician licensed to practice medicine in this state, shall be sent to the Rhode Island department of health laboratory for analysis. Those biological samples or specimens may be split at the time of procurement to permit one portion of the sample or specimen to be sent to the department of health laboratory for analysis and the other portion to be analyzed at another appropriately credentialed laboratory. In the case of split samples or specimens, third party payers shall pay both the department of health laboratory and the appropriately credentialed laboratory for analyzing those samples or specimens. The department of health shall waive the requirement for samples or specimens to be sent to the department of health laboratory and shall establish a written memorandum of agreement with any appropriately credentialed laboratory which can meet or exceed the most current laboratory standard of practice for tuberculosis testing, including maximum turnaround time.
History of Section.
P.L. 1994, ch. 374, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-10.1 - Emergency Commitment for Drug Intoxication › Section 23-10.1-1. - Short title.

§ 23-10.1-1. Short title.
This chapter shall be known as the “Emergency Commitment for Drug Intoxication Law”.
History of Section.
P.L. 1995, ch. 370, art. 14, § 20.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-10.1 - Emergency Commitment for Drug Intoxication › Section 23-10.1-2. - Definitions.

§ 23-10.1-2. Definitions.
Whenever used in this chapter, or in any order, rule, or regulation made or promulgated pursuant to this chapter, or in any printed forms prepared by the department or the director, unless otherwise expressly stated, or unless the context or subject matter otherwise requires:
(1)
“Approved public treatment facility” means a treatment agency operating under the direction and control of the department or providing treatment under this chapter through a contract with the department.
(2)
“Department” means the state department of behavioral healthcare, developmental disabilities and hospitals.
(3)
“Director” means the director of the state department of behavioral healthcare, developmental disabilities and hospitals.
(4)
“Drug intoxication” means an altered physiological substance or psychoactive substances, in which normal functioning is seriously impeded.
(5)
“Likely to injure him or herself or others” means:
(i)
A substantial risk of physical harm to himself or herself as manifested by behavior evidencing serious threats of, or attempts at, suicide or by behavior which will result in serious bodily harm; or
(ii)
A substantial risk of physical harm to other persons as manifested by behavior or threats evidencing homicidal or other violent behavior.
(6)
“Physician” means a person duly licensed to practice medicine or osteopathy in this state.
(7)
“Psychoactive substance” means a drug that affects the central nervous system and alters mood, perception, and/or consciousness.
History of Section.
P.L. 1995, ch. 370, art. 14, § 20.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-10.1 - Emergency Commitment for Drug Intoxication › Section 23-10.1-3. - General powers and duties.

§ 23-10.1-3. General powers and duties.
(a)
The department is charged with the execution of the laws relating to the emergency admission and custody of drug intoxicated individuals.
(b)
The department may adopt rules and regulations that it may deem necessary to carry out the provisions of this chapter to insure the safety and promote the welfare of individuals committed to its custody pursuant to this chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 1995, ch. 370, art. 14, § 20.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-10.1 - Emergency Commitment for Drug Intoxication › Section 23-10.1-4. - Emergency commitment.

§ 23-10.1-4. Emergency commitment.
(a)
Any police officer may take an individual into protective custody and transport him or her to the emergency room of any hospital if the officer has reason to believe that:
(1)
The individual is intoxicated by drugs other than alcohol and as a result is likely to injure him or herself or others if allowed to be at liberty pending examination by a licensed physician; or
(2)
The individual is in need of immediate assistance due to the use of drugs and requests the assistance.
(b)
A physician in charge of an emergency room of a hospital shall determine if any individual brought into the emergency room by a police officer, family member, or other interested person, requires emergency medical treatment for his or her condition or if the individual is appropriate for emergency commitment to an approved public treatment facility by reason of the grounds stated in this section.
(c)
If a physician determines, upon examination, that an individual is medically stable and appropriate for emergency commitment to an approved public treatment facility, he or she shall make application for the individual’s admission to the approved public treatment facility.
(d)
The application for admission shall state the circumstances under which an individual was taken into custody, brought to the emergency room, or brought to an approved public treatment facility and the reason for the physician’s determination that the individual needs emergency commitment for drug intoxication.
(e)
Upon the request of any physician making application in writing under this section, it shall be the duty of any police department of this state or any governmental subdivision of this state to whom the request is made, to take into custody and transport the individual to the designated approved public treatment facility.
History of Section.
P.L. 1995, ch. 370, art. 14, § 20.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-10.1 - Emergency Commitment for Drug Intoxication › Section 23-10.1-5. - Period of treatment.

§ 23-10.1-5. Period of treatment.
An individual admitted to an approved public treatment facility pursuant to this chapter shall be held for a minimum of twenty-four (24) hours for evaluation, and shall be discharged no later than five (5) days measured from the date of his or her admission.
History of Section.
P.L. 1995, ch. 370, art. 14, § 20.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-10.1 - Emergency Commitment for Drug Intoxication › Section 23-10.1-6. - Criminal law limitations.

§ 23-10.1-6. Criminal law limitations.
Nothing in this chapter affects any law, ordinance, or resolution against driving under the influence of drugs, or other similar offense involving the operation of a vehicle, aircraft, boat, machinery, or other equipment, or regarding the sale, purchase, dispensing, possessing, or use of drugs.
History of Section.
P.L. 1995, ch. 370, art. 14, § 20.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-11 - Sexually Transmitted Diseases › Section 23-11-1. - Diseases declared contagious — Exposure of another to infection.

§ 23-11-1. Diseases declared contagious — Exposure of another to infection.
Sexually transmitted diseases shall include, but not be limited to, syphilis, gonorrhea, chancroid, granuloma inguinale, and lymphogranuloma venereum and other diseases that the director of health may by regulation determine to constitute a sexually transmitted disease. Sexually transmitted diseases are declared to be contagious, infectious, communicable, and dangerous to the public health. It shall be unlawful for anyone knowingly, while in the infectious condition with these diseases, or any of them, to expose another person to infection. Any person found guilty of violating the provisions of this section shall be fined not more than one hundred dollars ($100) or imprisoned for not more than three (3) months.
History of Section.
P.L. 1921, ch. 2081, §§ 1, 2; G.L. 1923, ch. 163, §§ 1, 2; G.L. 1938, ch. 257, §§ 1, 2; G.L. 1956, § 23-11-1; P.L. 1967, ch. 58, § 1; P.L. 1986, ch. 246, § 2; P.L. 1986, ch. 436, § 2.