§ 40-11-11 - Abrogation of privileged communications. - Rhode Island Statutes

SECTION 40-11-11

   § 40-11-11  Abrogation of privilegedcommunications. – The privileged quality of communication between husband and wife and anyprofessional person and his or her patient or client, except that betweenattorney and client, is hereby abrogated in situations involving known orsuspected child abuse or neglect and shall not constitute grounds for failureto report as required by this chapter, failure to cooperate with the departmentin its activities pursuant to this chapter, or failure to give or acceptevidence in any judicial proceeding relating to child abuse or neglect. In anyfamily court proceeding relating to child abuse or neglect, notwithstanding theprovisions of chapter 37.3 of title 5, or the provisions of § 9-17-24, noprivilege of confidentiality may be invoked with respect to any illness,trauma, incompetency, addiction to drugs, or alcoholism of any parent.