Rhode Island § 23-83-3 - The Umbilical Cord Blood Donation Notification Act
Full text of Rhode Island Rhode Island General Laws § 23-83-3 — The Umbilical Cord Blood Donation Notification Act, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 23-83-3. The Umbilical Cord Blood Donation Notification Act
R.I. Gen. Laws § 23-83-3
§ 23-83-3. Notification of option to donate umbilical cord blood.
(a) At a time determined to be appropriated by the treating clinician, in consultation with the patient, after the first trimester of pregnancy, and as soon as reasonably feasible, every obstetrical professional or facility in the state shall inform the pregnant woman once during her pregnancy of the following options relating to stem cells that are contained in her umbilical cord blood after the delivery of her child:
(1) Donate the stem cells to a public umbilical cord blood bank;
(2) Store the stem cells at the patient’s expense in a family umbilical cord blood bank for use by the immediate family and extended family members;
(3) Store the stem cells for family use through a family or sibling donor banking program that provides free collection, processing and storage where there is a medical need; or
(4) Discard the stem cells.
(b) A person who acts in good faith pursuant to this section is not subject to civil or criminal liability or professional discipline for those acts.
(c) Any obstetrical professional or facility receiving financial remuneration for the collection, processing, or transport of umbilical cord blood shall provide written disclosure of this information to the pregnant woman at the time that the notification of options for umbilical cord blood collection and donation is made pursuant to § 23-83-3.
(d) Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to require a patient to donate her umbilical cord blood.
History of Section.
P.L. 2008, ch. 101, § 1; P.L. 2008, ch. 153, § 1.
Source: official Rhode Island text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Rhode Island § 23-83-3
What does Rhode Island General Laws § 23-83-3 cover?
Section 23-83-3 ("The Umbilical Cord Blood Donation Notification Act") is part of the Rhode Island General Laws, the codified statutory law of Rhode Island. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Rhode Island § 23-83-3?
A common citation format is "Rhode Island General Laws § 23-83-3" (Rhode Island). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Rhode Island law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Rhode Island official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Rhode Island attorney.
How does Rhode Island § 23-83-3 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Rhode Island can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Rhode Island.