§ 40-11-17 - Shaken baby syndrome prevention initiative. - Rhode Island Statutes

SECTION 40-11-17

   § 40-11-17  Shaken baby syndrome preventioninitiative. – (a) The department of health shall collaborate with the department of children,youth, and families and other state agencies serving families and children, themedical community, law enforcement, human service providers, and child advocacyorganizations to develop and implement a comprehensive, statewide initiative toreduce death and disability resulting from shaken baby syndrome. Saidinitiative shall include, but not be limited to:

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

   (2) Instituting education and training programs on theprevention 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 andserve victims and families affected by shaken baby syndrome; and

   (4) Conducting surveillance and data collection on theincidence of shaken baby syndrome and traumatic brain injury in infants andyoung children.

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

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