Rhode Island § 40-11-6 - Abused and Neglected Children
Full text of Rhode Island Rhode Island General Laws § 40-11-6 — Abused and Neglected Children, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 40-11-6. Abused and Neglected Children
R.I. Gen. Laws § 40-11-6
§ 40-11-6. Report by physicians and healthcare providers of abuse or neglect.
(a) When any physician, duly certified registered nurse practitioner, or other healthcare provider is involved in the delivery or care of infants born with, or identified as being affected by, substance abuse or withdrawal symptoms resulting from prenatal drug exposure or a fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, or has cause to suspect that a child brought to him or her, or coming to him or her, for examination, care, or treatment, is an abused or neglected child as defined in this chapter, or when he or she determines that a child under the age of twelve (12) years is suffering from any sexually transmitted disease, he or she shall report the incident or cause a report thereof to be made to the department as provided in subsection (b).
(b) An immediate oral report shall be made by telephone or otherwise, to both the department and law enforcement agency, and shall be followed by a report, in writing, to the department and law enforcement agency explaining the extent and nature of the abuse or neglect the child is alleged to have suffered.
(c) The department, upon receipt of such a report by a person other than a physician or duly certified registered nurse practitioner alleging that a child has been physically abused, shall investigate the report, and if the investigation reveals evidence of injury or that the child has been the victim of sexual abuse, the department shall have the child examined by a licensed physician or duly certified registered nurse practitioner. Any child protective investigator shall, with or without the consent of the parent or other person responsible for the child’s welfare, have the right to remove the child from the place where the child may be to secure the examination required by this subsection. Upon completion of the examination, it shall be mandatory for the physician or duly certified registered nurse practitioner to make a written report of his or her findings to the department.
(d) The department shall promulgate rules and regulations to implement the provisions of this section.
History of Section.
P.L. 1976, ch. 91, § 2; P.L. 1984, ch. 257, § 1; P.L. 1985, ch. 371, § 1; P.L. 1992,
ch. 245, § 1; P.L. 2011, ch. 151, art. 17, § 1; P.L. 2017, ch. 386, § 1; P.L. 2017,
ch. 424, § 1.
Source: official Rhode Island text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Rhode Island § 40-11-6
What does Rhode Island General Laws § 40-11-6 cover?
Section 40-11-6 ("Abused and Neglected Children") 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 § 40-11-6?
A common citation format is "Rhode Island General Laws § 40-11-6" (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 § 40-11-6 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.