2005 Rhode Island Code - § 21-28-4.20 — Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) – Testing.

    (a) Any person convicted of possession of any hypodermic instrument associated with intravenous drug use shall be required to be tested for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). No consent for the testing shall be required.

   (b) The department of health shall be responsible for reasonable costs associated with performing and reporting the results of the HIV tests, including the costs of pre-test and post-test counseling.

   (c) All persons tested under this section shall be provided pre-test and post-test counseling in accordance with regulations adopted by the department of health; provided, that this counseling shall be in accordance with acceptable medical standards.

   (d) All persons who are tested under this section, who are determined to be intravenous drug abusers, shall be referred to appropriate sources of drug treatment by the department of health as follows:

   (1) Those persons who test positive for HIV infection shall be given priority for those outpatient treatment programs which are sponsored or supported by the department of health;

   (2) Those persons who test negative for HIV infection shall be referred to the appropriate division in the department of health for earliest possible evaluation and treatment.