Statewide birth defects surveillance and information system - R.I. Gen. Laws Ann. § 23-13.3-3

The director of the department of health must create a birth defects surveillance and information system in order to collect data regarding birth defects in newborns and spontaneous fetal death. The director will specify the type of information collected, requirements for reporting, and confidentiality standards.

Reports maintained on the system are confidential pursuant to the Confidentiality of Health Care Communications and Information Act, but may be used as specified in this chapter or, when de-identified, for epidemiological or demographic studies.

The department must maintain public records of nondepartmental employees that have access to the system’s identifiable information.

The department may not maintain a child’s information on the system or disclose such information if the child’s parents or guardians object. The department must notify parents and guardians of their ability to object to the use and disclosure of their child’s information.