2025 -- H 5613

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LC001421

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2025

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A N   A C T

RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES

     Introduced By: Representatives Donovan, and Boylan

     Date Introduced: February 26, 2025

     Referred To: House Health & Human Services

     (Dept. of Health)

It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

     SECTION 1. Section 23-11-8 of the General Laws in Chapter 23-11 entitled "Sexually

Transmitted Diseases" is hereby amended to read as follows:

     23-11-8. Blood test of pregnant women.

     It shall be the duty of every physician, midwife, physician assistant and nurse practitioner

engaged in prenatal attendance upon a pregnant woman to obtain a blood specimen of that pregnant

woman within thirty (30) days after the first professional visit and again obtain a blood specimen

during the third trimester. That blood specimen These blood specimens shall be submitted to the

laboratory of the state department of health, or to a laboratory approved by the department, for the

performance of a Wassermann or other standard laboratory blood test for syphilis. Any violation

of the provisions of this section shall constitute a misdemeanor and that physician shall be fined

not less than ten dollars ($10.00) nor more than one hundred dollars ($100) for each offense.

     SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.

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EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

A N   A C T

RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES

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     This act would provide a duty upon midwives, physician assistants and nurse practitioners

to obtain a blood specimen of pregnant women within thirty (30) days after the first professional

visit and during the third trimester.

     This act would take effect upon passage.

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