2005 Rhode Island Code - § 23-6-11 — Definitions.

    As used in §§ 23-6-10 – 23-6-24:

   (1) "AIDS" means the medical condition known as acquired immune deficiency syndrome, caused by infection of an individual by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

   (2) "Exposure evaluation group" means three (3) impartial health care providers designated to determine if a health care provider has been involved in a significant exposure. No member of the group shall be directly involved in the exposure.

   (ii) For inpatient services in a licensed health care facility hospital setting the group shall consist of the patient's attending physician or designee, the chief of service or designee and a staff nurse. For other non-inpatient exposures in a licensed health care facility, the third member of the exposure evaluation group shall be a representative from the employee health office. If the exposure involves the attending physician, another physician shall be designated by the chief of service.

   (iii) In any other licensed health care facility or in a private office of a physician the group shall consist of three (3) physicians.

   (3) "HIV" means the human immunodeficiency virus, the pathogenic organism responsible for the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).

   (4) "HIV informed consent form" means a standardized form provided by the Rhode Island department of health. The form shall be developed by the department and shall contain the following information:

   (i) The public health rationale for HIV testing;

   (ii) The availability and cost of HIV testing and counseling;

   (iii) That test results are confidential with certain exceptions;

   (iv) A list of exceptions to confidentiality of test results;

   (v) That the test is voluntary and that an informed consent form must be signed before testing;

   (vi) That by signing this form the person is only acknowledging that the AIDS test and counseling have been offered.

   (5) "HIV test" means any currently medically accepted diagnostic test for determining infection of an individual by HIV.

   (6) "Person" means any individual, firm, partnership, corporation, company, association, or joint stock association, state or political subdivision or instrumentality of a state.

   (7) "Physician" means a person licensed to practice allopathic or osteopathic medicine pursuant to the provisions of chapter 37 of title 5.

   (8) "Services" means health care and social support services.