§ 23-13-4. Ophthalmia neonatorum — Definition — Treatment.
(a) Any diseased condition of the eye or eyes of an infant in which there is inflammation, redness, swelling, or any unnatural discharge at any time within two (2) weeks after birth shall, for the purpose of §§ 23-13-4 — 23-13-8 be deemed to be ophthalmia neonatorum.
(b) It shall be the duty of the physician, nurse, or midwife attending the birth of an infant immediately after the birth to treat the eyes of that infant with any approved prophylactic remedy as may be recommended by the department of health.
(c) For the purpose of §§ 23-13-4 — 23-13-8, midwives, who previously have not been permitted to use medical agents under any conditions, may employ the approved prophylactic of the department of health with the consent of the parent or guardian.
History of Section.G.L. 1909, ch. 343, § 25; P.L. 1914, ch. 1081, § 1; P.L. 1918, ch. 1641, § 1; P.L. 1919, ch. 1757, § 1; G.L. 1923, ch. 395, § 25; G.L. 1938, ch. 606, § 24; impl. am. P.L. 1939, ch. 660, § 180; G.L. 1956, § 23-13-4; P.L. 1979, ch. 199, § 1.
Structure Rhode Island General Laws
Chapter 23-13 - Maternal and Child Health Services for Children with Special Health Care Needs
Section 23-13-1. - Acceptance of federal act — Administration and purpose of program.
Section 23-13-2. - Acceptance of gifts.
Section 23-13-3. - Appropriations by cities and towns.
Section 23-13-4. - Ophthalmia neonatorum — Definition — Treatment.
Section 23-13-5. - Advice to parents concerning ophthalmia neonatorum.
Section 23-13-6. - Reports of ophthalmia neonatorum.
Section 23-13-8. - Violations pertaining to ophthalmia neonatorum.
Section 23-13-9. - Licensing and regulation of midwives — Penalty for violations.
Section 23-13-10. - Complaints for violations.
Section 23-13-13. - Testing for hearing impairments.
Section 23-13-14. - Newborn screening program.
Section 23-13-16. - Annual maternal and child health report.
Section 23-13-16.1. - Maternity patient’s informational pamphlet.
Section 23-13-17. - Special supplemental food program for women, infants, and children (WIC).
Section 23-13-19. - Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing.
Section 23-13-20. - Coordination of community-based family life and sex education.
Section 23-13-21. - Comprehensive reproductive health services.
Section 23-13-22. - Early intervention program for developmentally disabled infants.
Section 23-13-23. - Interagency coordinating council.
Section 23-13-24. - Recommendations of the council.
Section 23-13-25. - Powers of council cumulative.
Section 23-13-26. - Technology-dependent children — Definitions — Caretakers’ skills.