Rhode Island § 40-11-17 - Abused and Neglected Children

§ 40-11-17. Shaken-baby syndrome prevention initiative.

(a) The department of health shall collaborate with the department of children, youth and families and other state agencies serving families and children, the medical community, law enforcement, human service providers, and child advocacy organizations to develop and implement a comprehensive, statewide initiative to reduce death and disability resulting from shaken-baby syndrome. The initiative shall include, but not be limited to:

(1) Instituting a patient education program on shaken-baby syndrome prevention for all parents of newborns;

(2) Instituting education and training programs on the prevention and diagnosis of shaken-baby syndrome for other parents, caregivers, physicians, and professionals serving children and families;

(3) Assisting in the development of programs to support and serve victims and families affected by shaken-baby syndrome; and

(4) Conducting surveillance and data collection on the incidence of shaken-baby syndrome and traumatic brain injury in infants and young children.

(b) The department of health shall promulgate all rules and regulations necessary to effectuate the purposes of this section.

(c) The department of health, in collaboration with the department of children, youth and families, shall report annually to the general assembly, the status of the shaken-baby syndrome prevention initiative.