2021 -- S 0278

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LC000761

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2021

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A N   A C T

RELATING TO ANIMALS AND ANIMAL HUSBANDRY -- ANIMAL CARE -- USE OF

ANIMALS IN MEDICAL TRAINING

     

     Introduced By: Senators Valverde, Ruggerio, Murray, DiMario, and Lawson

     Date Introduced: February 10, 2021

     Referred To: Senate Health & Human Services

     It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

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     SECTION 1. Chapter 4-19 of the General Laws entitled "Animal Care" is hereby amended

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by adding thereto the following section:

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     4-19-11.4. Use of animals in medical training.

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     (a) An educational program training individuals in the medical treatment of human beings

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shall not use a live animal in the education or training of students, residents, or physicians if:

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     (1) At least one other accredited training program in the state in the same medical discipline

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does not use live animals; or

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     (2) There is an alternate teaching method that teaches the medical procedure or lesson

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without the use of an animal.

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     (b) Any person who violates the provisions of this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor,

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and upon conviction shall be fined not more than one thousand dollars ($1,000) for each violation

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of this section; and provided further, if multiple live animals are used in violation of this section

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each animal so used shall constitute a separate offense.

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     SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.

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LC000761

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EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

A N   A C T

RELATING TO ANIMALS AND ANIMAL HUSBANDRY -- ANIMAL CARE -- USE OF

ANIMALS IN MEDICAL TRAINING

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     This act would prohibit a medical training program in this state from using a live animal

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while teaching medical procedures if at least one other accredited training program in the state in

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the same medical discipline does not use animals or there is an alternate teaching method that

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teaches the medical procedure or lesson without the use of an animal.

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     This act would take effect upon passage.

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LC000761

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