2005 Rhode Island Code - § 23-28.36-3 — Notification of infectious diseases.

    (a) Notwithstanding the provisions of §§ 40.1-5-26 and 5-37.3-4, if, while treating, investigating, or transporting an ill or injured person to a licensed facility, a fire fighter, police officer, strike force member or emergency medical technician comes into contact with a person who is subsequently diagnosed as having an infectious disease, the licensed facility receiving that person shall notify the highest ranking officer of the treating, investigating, or transporting individual's department of health of the exposure to that person which officer shall then notify the exposed individual. Further, any city or town police department notified of infectious diseases pursuant to the provisions of this section shall, within forty-eight (48) hours, notify any strike force member who was exposed to the infected person.

   (b) The notification shall be made within forty-eight (48) hours, or sooner, of confirmation of the patient's diagnosis.

   (c) The notified employee shall contact the licensed health care facility to determine the infectious disease to which he or she has been exposed, and to receive the appropriate medical direction for dealing with the infectious disease.

   (d) Notification made pursuant to this section shall be conducted in a manner which will protect the confidentiality of the patient, fire fighter, police officer, or emergency technician.