reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-77 - Healthcare Information Technology and Infrastructure Development Fund › Section 23-77-4. - Creation of the Rhode Island healthcare information technology advisory committee.

§ 23-77-4. Creation of the Rhode Island healthcare information technology advisory committee.
(a)
The director of health shall establish a healthcare information technology and infrastructure advisory committee to advise in the following matters:
(1)
Assessment of use of healthcare information technology by the state’s licensed healthcare providers and facilities;
(2)
Recommendations for implementing a statewide interoperable healthcare information infrastructure to include estimates of necessary resources and for determining standards for administrative data exchange, clinical support programs, and the maintenance of the security and confidentiality of individual patient data;
(3)
Criteria for selection of projects to be funded with moneys from the fund;
(4)
Other related issues as requested by the director of health.
(b)
The members of the healthcare information technology and infrastructure advisory committee shall include the director or director’s designees of the departments of health and human services and additional members to be appointed by the director of the department of health to include persons representing Rhode Island licensed hospitals and other licensed facilities/providers, the medical and nursing professions, health insurers and health plans, the state quality improvement organization and other parties, such as consumer advisory organizations, with an interest and expertise in health care information technology. The director may designate an existing state nonprofit organization whose primary purpose is to improve healthcare quality to fulfill the responsibilities of the Rhode Island Healthcare Information Technology Advisory Committee.
History of Section.
P.L. 2004, ch. 344, § 1; P.L. 2004, ch. 397, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-77 - Healthcare Information Technology and Infrastructure Development Fund › Section 23-77-5. - Annual report.

§ 23-77-5. Annual report.
The director of the department of health shall prepare and issue an annual report not later than January 30th of each year outlining in specific detail the amount of funds spent from the fund in the previous year, a status report on the projects funded, progress to date in implementing a statewide healthcare information infrastructure, and recommendations for future investments and projects.
History of Section.
P.L. 2004, ch. 344, § 1; P.L. 2004, ch. 397, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-77 - Healthcare Information Technology and Infrastructure Development Fund › Section 23-77-6. - Severability.

§ 23-77-6. Severability.
If the provisions of this chapter or the application thereof to any person or circumstances is held invalid, such invalidity shall not affect other provisions or applications of the chapter which can be given effect without the invalid provision or application, and to this end the provisions of the chapter are declared to be severable.
History of Section.
P.L. 2004, ch. 344, § 1; P.L. 2004, ch. 397, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-78 - The Stroke Task Force › Section 23-78-1. - Rhode Island Comprehensive Stroke Prevention and Treatment Act of 2004 — Purpose and declarations.

§ 23-78-1. Rhode Island Comprehensive Stroke Prevention and Treatment Act of 2004 — Purpose and declarations.
(a)
The Rhode Island general assembly hereby finds, determines, and declares that stroke is a leading cause of death and permanent, long-term disability in Rhode Island and that currently available prevention and treatment strategies could reduce the number of deaths and disabilities caused by strokes.
(b)
The Rhode Island general assembly further finds that the establishment of a stroke task force will ensure that state-of-the-art information on stroke education, prevention, and treatment is available to healthcare providers and patients. This task force will serve as a consensus group designed to coordinate efforts in stroke treatment and prevention, including bringing additional monies to the state to fund improvements.
History of Section.
P.L. 2004, ch. 485, § 1; P.L. 2004, ch. 544, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-78.1 - Stroke Prevention and Treatment Act of 2009 › Section 23-78.1-1. - Short title.

§ 23-78.1-1. Short title.
This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the “Stroke Prevention and Treatment Act of 2009.”
History of Section.
P.L. 2009, ch. 88, § 1; P.L. 2009, ch. 89, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-78.1 - Stroke Prevention and Treatment Act of 2009 › Section 23-78.1-3. - Designation of Rhode Island comprehensive and primary stroke centers and acute stroke ready hospitals.

§ 23-78.1-3. Designation of Rhode Island comprehensive and primary stroke centers and acute stroke ready hospitals.
(a)
The director of the department of health shall establish a process to recognize comprehensive and primary stroke centers and acute stroke-ready hospitals in Rhode Island. The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations and the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association have collaborated on the development of certification programs for comprehensive and primary stroke centers and acute stroke-ready hospitals that follow the best practices for stroke care. A hospital shall be designated as a “Rhode Island comprehensive stroke center,” a “Rhode Island primary stroke center,” or a “Rhode Island acute stroke-ready hospital” if it has received a certificate of distinction for comprehensive or primary stroke centers or “acute stroke-ready hospitals” issued by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (the Joint Commission) or other nationally recognized certification body, if a formal process is developed in the future;
(b)
The department of health shall recognize as many hospitals as Rhode Island comprehensive or primary stroke centers or as acute stroke-ready hospitals as apply and are awarded certification by the joint commission (or other nationally recognized certification body, if a formal process is developed in the future);
(c)
The director of the department of health may suspend or revoke a hospital’s state designation as a Rhode Island comprehensive or primary stroke center, or acute stroke ready hospital, after notice and hearing, if the department of health determines that the hospital is not in compliance with the requirements of this chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 2009, ch. 88, § 1; P.L. 2009, ch. 89, § 1; P.L. 2015, ch. 99, § 1; P.L. 2015, ch. 108, § 1; P.L. 2017, ch. 201, § 1; P.L. 2017, ch. 303, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-78.1 - Stroke Prevention and Treatment Act of 2009 › Section 23-78.1-4. - Acute care hospitals.

§ 23-78.1-4. Acute care hospitals.
All acute care hospitals shall maintain readiness to treat stroke patients. This shall include:
(1)
Adherence with American Heart Association/American Stroke Association guidelines;
(2)
Establishment of written care protocols for the treatment of ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke patients, including transfer of acute stroke patients to a comprehensive or primary stroke center as appropriate and medically indicated;
(3)
Participation in Get With The Guidelines/Stroke or other nationally recognized data set platform to collect nationally recognized stroke measures, ensuring continuous quality improvement, and facilitating the transmission of data to the statewide stroke database/registry as outlined in § 23-78.1-6;
(4)
Participation in the Rhode Island Stroke Task Force and the Stroke Coordinators Network to provide oversight for the stroke system of care and to share best practices.
History of Section.
P.L. 2009, ch. 88, § 1; P.L. 2009, ch. 89, § 1; P.L. 2015, ch. 99, § 1; P.L. 2015, ch. 108, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-78.1 - Stroke Prevention and Treatment Act of 2009 › Section 23-78.1-5. - Emergency medical services providers; triage and transportation of stroke patients.

§ 23-78.1-5. Emergency medical services providers; triage and transportation of stroke patients.
(a)
The department of health, division of emergency medical services, and the ambulance service advisory board shall adopt and distribute a nationally recognized standardized assessment tool for stroke. The division of emergency medical services shall post this stroke assessment tool on its website and provide a copy of the assessment tool to each licensed emergency medical services provider no later than January 1, 2010. Each licensed emergency medical services provider must use the stroke-triage assessment tool provided by the department of health, division of emergency medical services;
(b)
The department of health, division of emergency medical services, and the ambulance service advisory board shall establish pre-hospital care protocols related to the assessment, treatment, and transport of stroke patients by licensed, emergency medical services providers in this state. Such protocols may include plans for the triage and transport of acute stroke patients to the closest comprehensive or primary stroke center or acute stroke-ready hospital as appropriate and within a specified timeframe of onset of symptoms. The stroke pre-hospital care protocols shall be reviewed on an annual basis;
(c)
By June 1 of each year, the department of health, division of emergency medical services, shall send the list of comprehensive and primary stroke centers and acute stroke-ready hospitals to each licensed emergency medical services agency in this state and shall post a list of comprehensive and primary stroke centers and acute stroke-ready hospitals on the division of emergency medical services website. For the purposes of this chapter, the division of emergency medical services may include comprehensive and primary stroke centers and acute stroke-ready hospitals in Massachusetts and Connecticut that are certified by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (the Joint Commission), or are otherwise designated by that state’s department of public health as meeting the criteria for comprehensive or primary stroke centers and acute stroke-ready hospitals as established by the brain attack coalition;
(d)
Each emergency medical services provider must comply with all sections of this chapter by June 1, 2018.
History of Section.
P.L. 2009, ch. 88, § 1; P.L. 2009, ch. 89, § 1; P.L. 2015, ch. 99, § 1; P.L. 2015, ch. 108, § 1; P.L. 2017, ch. 201, § 1; P.L. 2017, ch. 303, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-78.1 - Stroke Prevention and Treatment Act of 2009 › Section 23-78.1-7. - Patient treatment.

§ 23-78.1-7. Patient treatment.
This chapter is not a medical practice guideline and may not be used to restrict the authority of a hospital to provide services for which it has received a license under state law. The general assembly intends that all patients be treated individually based on each patient’s needs and circumstances.
History of Section.
P.L. 2009, ch. 88, § 1; P.L. 2009, ch. 89, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-78.1 - Stroke Prevention and Treatment Act of 2009 › Section 23-78.1-8. - Regulatory authority.

§ 23-78.1-8. Regulatory authority.
The department of health shall have the authority to adopt rules to carry out the purposes of this chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 2009, ch. 88, § 1; P.L. 2009, ch. 89, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-79 - The Rhode Island Autism Spectrum Disorder Evaluation and Treatment Act [Repealed.] › Section 23-79-1 - — 23-79-3. Repealed.

§ 23-79-1 — 23-79-3. Repealed.
History of Section.
P.L. 2005, ch. 349, § 1; P.L. 2005, ch. 415, § 1; Repealed by P.L. 2009, ch. 201, § 1, effective November 9, 2009. For comparable provisions, see chapter 24.1 of title 16.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-80 - Safe Patient Handling Act of 2006 › Section 23-80-1. - Short title.

§ 23-80-1. Short title.
This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the “Safe Patient Handling Act of 2006.”
History of Section.
P.L. 2006, ch. 353, § 1; P.L. 2006, ch. 463, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-80 - Safe Patient Handling Act of 2006 › Section 23-80-2. - Legislative findings.

§ 23-80-2. Legislative findings.
(a)
Patients are at greater risk of injury, including skin tears, falls, and musculoskeletal injuries, when being lifted, transferred, or repositioned manually.
(b)
Safe patient handling can reduce skin tears suffered by patients by threefold, and can significantly reduce other injuries to patients as well.
(c)
Health care workers lead the nation in work-related musculoskeletal disorders. Between thirty-eight percent (38%) and fifty percent (50%) of nurses and other health care workers will suffer a work-related back injury during their career. Forty-four percent (44%) of these workers will be unable to return to their pre-injury position.
(d)
Research indicates that nurses lift an estimated 1.8 tons per shift. Eighty-three percent (83%) of nurses work in spite of back pain, and sixty percent (60%) of nurses fear a disabling back injury. Twelve percent (12%) to thirty-nine percent (39%) of nurses not yet disabled are considering leaving nursing due to back pain and injuries.
(e)
Safe patient handling reduces injuries and costs. In nine (9) case studies evaluating the impact of lifting equipment, injuries decreased sixty percent (60%) to ninety-five percent (95%), Workers’ Compensation costs dropped by ninety-five percent (95%), and absenteeism due to lifting and handling was reduced by ninety-eight percent (98%).
History of Section.
P.L. 2006, ch. 353, § 1; P.L. 2006, ch. 463, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-81 - Rhode Island Coordinated Health Planning Act of 2006 › Section 23-81-1. - Short title.

§ 23-81-1. Short title.
This chapter shall be known as the “Rhode Island Coordinated Health Planning Act of 2006.”
History of Section.
P.L. 2006, ch. 354, § 1; P.L. 2006, ch. 462, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-81 - Rhode Island Coordinated Health Planning Act of 2006 › Section 23-81-2. - Legislative findings.

§ 23-81-2. Legislative findings.
It is hereby found and declared:
(a)
The vast majority of Rhode Islanders believe that quality, affordable health care should be available to all in our state;
(b)
Our current health care crisis affects all facets of Rhode Island’s economy, with a particular burden on small business owners, young people, and those approaching retirement;
(c)
A majority of Rhode Islanders believe that the state government has a significant role to play in solving this health care crisis;
(d)
The current state health care infrastructure is fragmented with an array of state departments and offices carrying out health care planning, along with a myriad of private efforts, all with a lack of coordination;
(e)
Because an essential component of health planning is resource allocation, there is a need to professionalize the health services council and revitalize the certificate of need process;
(f)
Recognizing that many departments of state government are involved in the collection of data and information related to health care, health care outcomes, health care insurance, consumer behavior and trends, and that accurate and accessible, collection and housing of this information is necessary for the general assembly to enact useful health care policy;
(g)
Rhode Island’s small size makes us the perfect laboratory to create a unified health care system, planned and coordinated with a functioning public/private partnership, with broad representation of all of the health care stakeholders;
(h)
The general assembly finds that the people of this state have a fundamental interest in the establishment of a comprehensive strategic health care planning process and the preparation, maintenance, and implementation of plans to improve the quality, accessibility, portability, and affordability of health care in Rhode Island; that the continued growth, viability and development of the health care infrastructure by the private and public sectors requires effective planning by the state; and that state and local plans and programs must be properly coordinated with the planning requirements and programs of the federal government; and
(i)
The coordinated health planning process should create usable and dynamic guidance that helps design a health care system and improves the health of Rhode Islanders.
History of Section.
P.L. 2006, ch. 354, § 1; P.L. 2006, ch. 462, § 1; P.L. 2007, ch. 500, § 1; P.L. 2007, ch. 512, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-81 - Rhode Island Coordinated Health Planning Act of 2006 › Section 23-81-3. - Repealed.

§ 23-81-3. Repealed.
History of Section.
P.L. 2006, ch. 354, § 1; P.L. 2006, ch. 462, § 1; Repealed by P.L. 2007, ch. 500, § 2; P.L. 2007, ch. 512, § 2, effective October 30, 2007.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-81 - Rhode Island Coordinated Health Planning Act of 2006 › Section 23-81-5. - Implementation of the council recommendations.

§ 23-81-5. Implementation of the council recommendations.
In order to promote effective implementation of the unified health plan, the council shall recommend to the governor, the general assembly, and other state agencies actions that may be taken to promote and ensure implementation of the council’s policy and program guidance. The secretary of the executive office of health and human services and the health insurance commissioner, as co-chairs, of the council, shall use the powers of their offices to implement the recommendations adopted by the council, as deemed appropriate, or as required by the governor or general assembly. The secretary shall coordinate the implementation of the recommended actions by the state agencies within the executive office of health and human services.
History of Section.
P.L. 2007, ch. 500, § 3; P.L. 2007, ch. 512, § 3; P.L. 2011, ch. 151, art. 15, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-81 - Rhode Island Coordinated Health Planning Act of 2006 › Section 23-81-6. - Funding.

§ 23-81-6. Funding.
The executive office of health and human services may provide funding to carry out the requirements of this chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 2007, ch. 500, § 3; P.L. 2007, ch. 512, § 3; P.L. 2008, ch. 475, § 18; P.L. 2011, ch. 151, art. 15, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-82 - Implementation of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative Act › Section 23-82-1. - Short title.

§ 23-82-1. Short title.
This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the “Implementation of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative Act.”
History of Section.
P.L. 2007, ch. 119, § 1; P.L. 2007, ch. 206, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-82 - Implementation of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative Act › Section 23-82-2. - Legislative findings.

§ 23-82-2. Legislative findings.
It is hereby found and declared by the general assembly as follows:
(1)
Scientific findings indicate that the increase in greenhouse gas emissions, including carbon dioxide, is accelerating the natural greenhouse effect resulting in changes in the Earth’s climate;
(2)
Climate changes pose serious health risks to humans, as well as danger to ecosystems worldwide;
(3)
This act creates a strong incentive for the creation, development, and deployment of more efficient technologies and processes, energy efficiency and renewable energy supplies which will lead to less dependence on the import of fossil fuels.
(4)
Rhode Island’s implementation of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, (hereinafter referred to as “RGGI”), should be managed to maximize the state’s contribution to lowering carbon emissions while minimizing impacts on electric system reliability and costs to Rhode Island power consumers over the long term. Adoption and use of cost-effective energy-efficient products and programs and the strategic use of low and zero carbon generation are the best means to achieve these goals.
(5)
It is the intent of the general assembly in enacting this chapter that the state of Rhode Island shall fulfill the mutual understandings and commitments of the regional greenhouse gas initiative so that the state may fully participate in that initiative and all sales or auctions and other proceedings as may be established under that initiative.
History of Section.
P.L. 2007, ch. 119, § 1; P.L. 2007, ch. 206, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-82 - Implementation of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative Act › Section 23-82-3. - Definitions.

§ 23-82-3. Definitions.
As used in this chapter:
(1)
“Allowance” means an authorization to emit a fixed amount of carbon dioxide;
(2)
“Board” means the renewable energy coordinating board established pursuant to chapter 42-140.3.
(3)
“Council” means the energy efficiency and resources management council;
(4)
“Department” means department of environmental management;
(5)
“Office” means the office of energy resources; and
(6)
“Regional greenhouse gas initiative” or “RGGI” means the memorandum of understanding (MOU) dated December 20, 2005, as may be amended, and corresponding model rule, as may be amended, that establishes an electric power sector carbon emissions cap and trade program.
History of Section.
P.L. 2007, ch. 119, § 1; P.L. 2007, ch. 206, § 1; P.L. 2012, ch. 241, art. 4, § 12; P.L. 2012, ch. 415, § 30.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-82 - Implementation of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative Act › Section 23-82-4. - Regional greenhouse gas initiative implementation.

§ 23-82-4. Regional greenhouse gas initiative implementation.
(a)
The department shall, in consultation with the public utilities commission, the office, council, and board, through rules and regulations, establish the state’s rules for participation in RGGI.
(b)
The department’s rules and regulations for participation in a carbon cap and trade program shall be designed to meet the mutual understandings and commitments for participation in RGGI, and permit the holders of carbon allowances to trade them in a regional market to be established through the RGGI.
(c)
The responsibilities created by implementing RGGI shall be in addition to all other responsibilities imposed by any other general or special law or rule or regulation and shall not diminish or reduce any power or authority of the department, including the authority to adopt standards and regulations necessary for the state to join and fully participate in any multi-state program, at any stage in the development and implementation of such a program, intended to control emissions of carbon dioxide and/or other substances that are determined by the department to be damaging and/or altering the climate.
History of Section.
P.L. 2007, ch. 119, § 1; P.L. 2007, ch. 206, § 1; P.L. 2012, ch. 241, art. 4, § 12.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-82 - Implementation of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative Act › Section 23-82-5. - Sale of allowances.

§ 23-82-5. Sale of allowances.
(a)
The department shall provide in its regulations that one hundred percent (100%) of all allowances issued under the program in the state of Rhode Island shall be sold. A de minimus portion of allowances may be set aside to support the voluntary renewable energy provisions of the regional greenhouse gas initiative model rule.
(b)
The department’s regulations shall specify the mechanism for sale of allowances, including authorizing the state to make use of any voluntary regional organizations, structures or mechanisms available to states implementing a program of this type, provided that any sale of allowances must be public, competitive and open to all who wish to participate.
(c)
The department may engage an independent contractor, consumer trustee or other entity experienced in sale or auction design and management, including a regional entity engaged by multiple states to conduct regional sales or auctions, who is determined by the department, in consultation with the office, to be qualified to conduct auctions or sales in a manner that assures the efficiency of the auctions or sales. The selection of any independent contractor, consumer trustee or other entity shall be done in accordance with applicable procedures of the division of purchases.
(d)
The department shall annually convey one hundred percent (100%) of all carbon allowances established pursuant to this section to the selected independent contractor, consumer trustee or other entity who shall be authorized to receive, hold and sell allowances for the long-term benefit of consumers. The selected independent contractor, consumer trustee or other entity shall conduct the auction or sale, collect the auction proceeds and shall upon receipt, transfer to the office the proceeds of the auction or sale to be distributed in accordance with § 23-82-6, under the oversight of the department.
(e)
The department shall require an annual report from the independent contractor, consumer trustee or other entity conducting the auction or sale describing the auction or sale and its results. The report shall be made public and shall also be submitted to the general assembly.
(f)
All proceeds collected from the auction or sale of allowances pursuant to this section shall be deposited as restricted receipts.
History of Section.
P.L. 2007, ch. 119, § 1; P.L. 2007, ch. 206, § 1; P.L. 2008, ch. 100, art. 28, § 5.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-82 - Implementation of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative Act › Section 23-82-7. - Exemption from taxation.

§ 23-82-7. Exemption from taxation.
Notwithstanding any provisions of the general or public laws or regulation to the contrary, the division of taxation shall grant a permanent exemption from any and all applicable charges or assessments made against the proceeds from the auction of allowances pursuant to this chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 2007, ch. 119, § 1; P.L. 2007, ch. 206, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-83 - The Umbilical Cord Blood Donation Notification Act › Section 23-83-1. - Short title.

§ 23-83-1. Short title.
This chapter shall be known and may be cited as “The Umbilical Cord Blood Donation Notification Act.”
History of Section.
P.L. 2008, ch. 101, § 1; P.L. 2008, ch. 153, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-83 - The Umbilical Cord Blood Donation Notification Act › Section 23-83-2. - Definitions.

§ 23-83-2. Definitions.
As used in this chapter, the following terms are defined as follows:
(1)
“Mixed bank” is a bank that maintains a supply of unrelated cord blood units philanthropically donated by transplantation or research purposes to unrelated recipients and also for a fee stores cord blood for autologous use and use by family members.
(2)
“Obstetrical professional or facility” is licensed health care providers, including, but not limited to, hospitals, birthing centers, health clinics, midwives, obstetricians and other physicians who provide obstetrical services.
(3)
“Private cord blood bank” is a bank that for a fee stores cord blood units for autologous or family use.
(4)
“Public cord blood bank” is a bank that maintains a supply of unrelated cord blood units that are philanthropically donated for transplantation or research purposes. This bank may also store a limited number of units for autologous or family use when a disease that is treatable by cord blood transplantation is known to exist within the donor’s family.
(5)
“Umbilical cord blood” is the blood that remains in the umbilical cord and placenta after the birth of a newborn child.
History of Section.
P.L. 2008, ch. 101, § 1; P.L. 2008, ch. 153, § 1; P.L. 2012, ch. 415, § 31.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-83 - The Umbilical Cord Blood Donation Notification Act › Section 23-83-3. - Notification of option to donate umbilical cord blood.

§ 23-83-3. Notification of option to donate umbilical cord blood.
(a)
At a time determined to be appropriated by the treating clinician, in consultation with the patient, after the first trimester of pregnancy, and as soon as reasonably feasible, every obstetrical professional or facility in the state shall inform the pregnant woman once during her pregnancy of the following options relating to stem cells that are contained in her umbilical cord blood after the delivery of her child:
(1)
Donate the stem cells to a public umbilical cord blood bank;
(2)
Store the stem cells at the patient’s expense in a family umbilical cord blood bank for use by the immediate family and extended family members;
(3)
Store the stem cells for family use through a family or sibling donor banking program that provides free collection, processing and storage where there is a medical need; or
(4)
Discard the stem cells.
(b)
A person who acts in good faith pursuant to this section is not subject to civil or criminal liability or professional discipline for those acts.
(c)
Any obstetrical professional or facility receiving financial remuneration for the collection, processing, or transport of umbilical cord blood shall provide written disclosure of this information to the pregnant woman at the time that the notification of options for umbilical cord blood collection and donation is made pursuant to § 23-83-3.
(d)
Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to require a patient to donate her umbilical cord blood.
History of Section.
P.L. 2008, ch. 101, § 1; P.L. 2008, ch. 153, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-83 - The Umbilical Cord Blood Donation Notification Act › Section 23-83-4. - No fees for donation.

§ 23-83-4. No fees for donation.
A person who agrees to donate her umbilical cord blood to a public cord blood bank or a mixed bank for use by the cord blood bank shall not be charged any fee for the costs of collecting, processing, transporting or storing the cord blood.
History of Section.
P.L. 2008, ch. 101, § 1; P.L. 2008, ch. 153, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-83 - The Umbilical Cord Blood Donation Notification Act › Section 23-83-5. - Collection not required if health of mother or newborn impacted.

§ 23-83-5. Collection not required if health of mother or newborn impacted.
An obstetrical professional or facility is not required to collect cord blood or cooperate in the collection of cord blood if in the professional judgment of a licensed obstetrical professional the collection of the cord blood would threaten the health of the mother or the newborn child.
History of Section.
P.L. 2008, ch. 101, § 1; P.L. 2008, ch. 153, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-83 - The Umbilical Cord Blood Donation Notification Act › Section 23-83-6. - Hospitals required to facilitate donations.

§ 23-83-6. Hospitals required to facilitate donations.
Unless it is medically inadvisable, each hospital or other obstetrical facility in the state shall cooperate with the collection staff of a cord blood bank designated by a patient to facilitate the donation of the blood extracted from the umbilical cord of the patient’s newborn child to a cord blood bank.
History of Section.
P.L. 2008, ch. 101, § 1; P.L. 2008, ch. 153, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-84 - The Rhode Island Climate Risk Reduction Act of 2010 › Section 23-84-1. - Short title.

§ 23-84-1. Short title.
This chapter shall be known and may be cited as “The Rhode Island Climate Risk Reduction Act of 2010.”
History of Section.
P.L. 2010, ch. 119, § 1; P.L. 2010, ch. 304, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-84 - The Rhode Island Climate Risk Reduction Act of 2010 › Section 23-84-3. - [Repealed.]

§ 23-84-3. [Repealed.]
History of Section.
P.L. 2010, ch. 119, § 1; P.L. 2010, ch. 304, § 1; P.L. 2013, ch. 163, § 1; P.L. 2013, ch. 198, § 1; Repealed by P.L. 2014, ch. 343, § 2, effective July 2, 2014; P.L. 2014, ch. 392, § 2, effective July 2, 2014.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-86 - Women’s Cardiovascular Screening and Risk Reduction Pilot Program › Section 23-86-1. - Women’s cardiovascular screening and risk reduction pilot program.

§ 23-86-1. Women’s cardiovascular screening and risk reduction pilot program.
(a)
The department of health (hereinafter, “the department”) shall develop a cardiovascular disease screening and lifestyle intervention pilot program at one site in one of Rhode Island’s six (6) core cities for low-income, underinsured and uninsured women between forty (40) and sixty-four (64) years of age, inclusive, at risk for heart disease, diabetes and stroke, namely Pawtucket, Providence, Woonsocket, Newport, West Warwick or Central Falls.
(b)
The department shall develop the program based on the federal WISEWOMEN program administered by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The pilot program shall employ specified measures to gauge the impact and outcome of the program. These measures may include the number of women served, the number who receive lifestyle interventions, the number of follow-up visits per woman, an evaluation of the use of progress markers to reduce risk factors, and a research and evaluation component.
(c)
The department shall prepare an annual report and submit it to the legislature by January 31 of each year summarizing the scope and reach of the pilot program. The final report shall include a fiscal analysis and a recommendation outlining the benefits and costs of expanding the pilot program throughout the state after the program has been in existence for three (3) years. The pilot program shall expire July 1, 2014.
(d)
Implementation of the Women’s Cardiovascular screening and risk reduction pilot program shall be subject to appropriation.
History of Section.
P.L. 2011, ch. 206, § 1; P.L. 2011, ch. 232, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-87 - The Rhode Island Lupus Education and Awareness Plan › Section 23-87-1. - Short title.

§ 23-87-1. Short title.
This chapter shall be known and maybe cited as the “Rhode Island Lupus Education and Awareness Plan Act of 2012.”
History of Section.
P.L. 2012, ch. 491, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-87 - The Rhode Island Lupus Education and Awareness Plan › Section 23-87-2. - Legislative findings.

§ 23-87-2. Legislative findings.
It is hereby found and declared as follows:
(1)
Lupus is an urgent national health issue. Lupus is the result of an immune system that is unbalanced which can become destructive to any organ or tissue in the body. Lupus is unpredictable and potentially fatal, yet no satisfactory treatment exists. Its health consequences include heart attacks, strokes, seizures, and organ failure.
(2)
The Lupus Foundation of America, Inc. estimates that more than 1.5 million Americans live with some form of lupus, including an estimated five thousand two hundred (5,200) people with lupus in Rhode Island.
History of Section.
P.L. 2012, ch. 491, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-87 - The Rhode Island Lupus Education and Awareness Plan › Section 23-87-3. - Purpose.

§ 23-87-3. Purpose.
The purpose of this chapter is to create a study commission which will develop a multi-pronged, statewide plan to educate healthcare professionals and persons affected with lupus about the diagnosis, management, and treatment of lupus.
History of Section.
P.L. 2012, ch. 491, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-87 - The Rhode Island Lupus Education and Awareness Plan › Section 23-87-4. - Establishment of the lupus study commission.

§ 23-87-4. Establishment of the lupus study commission.
(a)
The director of the department of health shall establish and coordinate a study commission on lupus consisting of eleven (11) members, all of whom shall be appointed by the director of the department of health. The first chairperson shall be a representative of the Lupus Foundation of New England and shall serve for a two (2) year term. Subsequent chairpersons shall be elected by the membership of the study commission from among its members.
(b)
The commission shall be composed of:
(1)
Three (3) individuals with lupus;
(2)
One scientist with experience in lupus and who participates in various fields of scientific endeavor, including, but not limited to, biomedical research, social, translational, behavioral or epidemiological research recommended by the medical and scientific council of the Lupus Foundation of America, Inc;
(3)
Two (2) physicians with experience in treating people with lupus and recommended by the Rhode Island medical society;
(4)
One nurse practitioner with experience in treating people with lupus and recommended by the Rhode Island nurse practitioners’ council;
(5)
One local representative from the Lupus Foundation of America, Inc. and one representative from the Lupus Foundation of New England;
(6)
One representative recommended by the department of health’s minority health advisory committee; and
(7)
One representative recommended by the women’s health council of Rhode Island.
(c)
Members of the commission shall serve terms of two (2) years. A member may be appointed to serve not more than two (2) terms, whether or not consecutive.
(d)
The commission shall meet at the call of the chair and no less than on a quarterly basis each year.
(e)
Six (6) members of the study commission shall constitute a quorum. A majority vote of a quorum shall be required for any official action of the study commission.
History of Section.
P.L. 2012, ch. 491, § 1; P.L. 2013, ch. 276, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-88 - Code Consistency Council › Section 23-88-1. - Purpose.

§ 23-88-1. Purpose.
It is the purpose of this chapter to establish a council to examine areas within the building code, fire code, elevator code, and any other codes that overlap, conflict or may be inconsistent. The council shall examine these codes and make recommendations that may resolve the conflict or inconsistency by selecting the “lead” code on a particular issue, by making all the codes consistent or by allowing the inconsistencies as they serve a purpose and do not directly conflict with each other.
History of Section.
P.L. 2013, ch. 154, § 1; P.L. 2013, ch. 195, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-88 - Code Consistency Council › Section 23-88-2. - Establishment.

§ 23-88-2. Establishment.
(a)
There is hereby established a council to be called the “Code Consistency Council” consisting of sixteen (16) members:
(1)
One of whom shall be the state fire marshal and who shall serve as a co-chairperson;
(2)
One of whom shall be the state building code commissioner who shall serve as a co-chairperson;
(3)
One of whom shall be the Director of Regulatory Reform, or his or her designee;
(4)
One of whom shall be the president of the American institute of architects Rhode Island, or his or her designee;
(5)
One of whom shall be the president of the structural engineers association of Rhode Island, or his or her designee;
(6)
One of whom shall be the president of the Rhode Island association of fire fighters, or his or her designee;
(7)
One of whom shall be the president of the Rhode Island chapter of the associated general contractors, or his or her designee;
(8)
One of whom shall be the president of the housing network or his or her designee;
(9)
Two (2) of whom shall be appointed by the director of the department of labor and training, one with an expertise in elevator safety rules and regulations and one with an expertise in boiler safety rules and regulations;
(10)
Two (2) of whom shall be appointed by the League of Cities and Towns, one from a city and one from a town to represent the interests of municipalities that administer building code issues;
(11)
One of whom shall be the chairperson of the Rhode Island historical preservation and heritage commission, or his or her designee;
(12)
One of whom shall be the President of the Rhode Island builders’ association or his or her designee;
(13)
One of whom shall be an environmental engineer, to be appointed by the governor; and
(14)
One of whom shall be an attorney whose practice is concentrated in building and construction, to be appointed by the governor.
(b)
Forthwith upon the effective date of this chapter, the members of the council shall meet at the call of the chairs and organize. Vacancies in the council shall be filled in like manner as the original appointment.
(c)
The department of public safety is hereby directed to provide suitable quarters for the council.
(d)
All departments and agencies of the state shall furnish such advice and information documentary and otherwise to the commission and its agents as is deemed necessary or desirable by the commission to facilitate the purposes of this chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 2013, ch. 154, § 1; P.L. 2013, ch. 195, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-88 - Code Consistency Council › Section 23-88-3. - Meeting and reporting requirements.

§ 23-88-3. Meeting and reporting requirements.
The council shall meet regularly and present and report its findings and recommendations to the senate housing and municipal government committee by March 31, 2014. The council shall cease to exist on July 1, 2015.
History of Section.
P.L. 2013, ch. 154, § 1; P.L. 2013, ch. 195, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-89 - The Rhode Island Palliative Care and Quality of Life Act › Section 23-89-1. - Establishment of advisory council — Purposes.

§ 23-89-1. Establishment of advisory council — Purposes.
(a)
There is hereby authorized, created and established a nine (9) member advisory council to be known as “The Rhode Island Palliative Care and Quality of Life Interdisciplinary Advisory Council” within the department of health with the powers and duties set forth in this chapter.
(b)
The director of the department of health shall appoint nine (9) members to the council who shall have expertise in various aspects of palliative care including, but not limited to, medical, nursing, social work, pharmacy and spiritual; and patient and family caregivers. Membership shall specifically include experience in palliative care in a variety of inpatient, outpatient and community settings such as acute care, long-term care and hospice and with a variety of populations including pediatric, youth and adult care. One (1) council member shall be a designee of the Rhode Island American Cancer Society and two (2) member’s shall be a chief executive of a licensed homecare agency or their designee. At least two (2) council members shall be board-certified hospice and palliative medicine physicians and/or nurses. Members shall serve for a term of three (3) years. Members shall receive no compensation for their services.
(c)
The Rhode Island palliative care and quality of life interdisciplinary advisory council shall consult with and advise the department of health on matters related to the establishment, maintenance, operation, and outcomes evaluation of palliative care initiatives in the state.
History of Section.
P.L. 2013, ch. 332, § 1; P.L. 2013, ch. 421, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-89 - The Rhode Island Palliative Care and Quality of Life Act › Section 23-89-2. - Establishment of palliative care consumer and professional information and education program.

§ 23-89-2. Establishment of palliative care consumer and professional information and education program.
(a)
There is hereby created and established a statewide “Palliative Care Consumer and Professional Information and Education Program” within the department of health.
(b)
The purpose of the palliative care consumer and professional information and education program shall be to maximize the effectiveness of palliative care initiatives in the state by ensuring that comprehensive and accurate information and education about palliative care is available to the public, healthcare providers, and healthcare facilities.
(c)
The department of health shall publish on its website information and resources, including links to external resources, about palliative care delivery for the public, healthcare providers, and healthcare facilities. This shall include, but not limited to, continuing educational opportunities for healthcare providers; information about palliative care delivery in the home, primary, secondary, and tertiary environments; best practices for palliative care delivery; and consumer educational materials and referral information for palliative care, including hospice.
(d)
The department of health may develop and implement any other initiatives regarding palliative care services and education that the director determines would further the purposes of this subsection.
(e)
The department shall consult with the palliative care and quality of life interdisciplinary advisory council in implementing this section.
History of Section.
P.L. 2013, ch. 332, § 1; P.L. 2013, ch. 421, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-89 - The Rhode Island Palliative Care and Quality of Life Act › Section 23-89-3. - Access to palliative care.

§ 23-89-3. Access to palliative care.
(a)
As used in this section, the following terms shall have the following meanings:
(1)
“Appropriate” means consistent with applicable legal, health and professional standards, the patient’s clinical and other circumstances, and the patient’s reasonably known wishes and beliefs.
(2)
“Medical care” means services provided, requested, or supervised by a physician or advanced practice nurse.
(3)
“Palliative care” means patient and family centered medical care that optimizes quality of life by anticipating, preventing, and treating suffering caused by serious illness. Palliative care throughout the continuum of illness involves addressing physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs and facilitating patient autonomy, access to information, and choice. Palliative care includes, but is not limited to, discussions of the patient’s goals for treatment; discussion of treatment options appropriate to the patient, including, where appropriate, hospice care; and comprehensive pain and symptom management.
(4)
“Serious illness” means any medical illness or physical injury or condition that substantially impacts quality of life for more than a short period of time. Serious illness includes, but is not limited to, cancer; heart, renal or liver failure; lung disease; and Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.
(b)
On or before January 1, 2015, all healthcare organizations which required a license to operate shall:
(1)
Consult with the organization’s physicians to educate them on how to provide information about appropriate palliative care services for those patients or residents with serious illnesses, who, in their professional medical opinion, would benefit from them.
(c)
The department shall carry out this section with the consultation of the palliative care and quality of life interdisciplinary advisory council.
(d)
In carrying out this section, the department shall take into account factors that may impact the development of such a system and its ability to facilitate access to palliative care, including the size of the healthcare organization; access and proximity to palliative care services, including the availability of hospice and palliative care board-certified practitioners and related workforce staff; and geographic factors.
History of Section.
P.L. 2013, ch. 332, § 1; P.L. 2013, ch. 421, § 1.