(a)  Any diseased condition of the eye or eyes of an infant in which there is inflammation, redness, swelling, or any unnatural discharge at any time within two (2) weeks after birth shall, for the purpose of § 23-13-4 — § 23-13-8 be deemed to be ophthalmia neonatorum.

Terms Used In Rhode Island General Laws 23-13-4

  • Guardian: A person legally empowered and charged with the duty of taking care of and managing the property of another person who because of age, intellect, or health, is incapable of managing his (her) own affairs.

(b)  It shall be the duty of the physician, nurse, or midwife attending the birth of an infant immediately after the birth to treat the eyes of that infant with any approved prophylactic remedy as may be recommended by the department of health.

(c)  For the purpose of § 23-13-4 — § 23-13-8, midwives, who previously have not been permitted to use medical agents under any conditions, may employ the approved prophylactic of the department of health with the consent of the parent or guardian.

History of Section.
G.L. 1909, ch. 343, § 25; P.L. 1914, ch. 1081, § 1; P.L. 1918, ch. 1641, § 1; P.L. 1919, ch. 1757, § 1; G.L. 1923, ch. 395, § 25; G.L. 1938, ch. 606, § 24; impl. am. P.L. 1939, ch. 660, § 180; G.L. 1956, § 23-13-4; P.L. 1979, ch. 199, § 1.