The bill amends Section 23-11-8 of the General Laws in Chapter 23-11, which pertains to sexually transmitted diseases, specifically focusing on the responsibilities of healthcare providers regarding pregnant women. It establishes that every physician, midwife, physician assistant, and nurse practitioner involved in prenatal care must obtain blood specimens from pregnant women within thirty (30) days of the first professional visit and again during the third trimester. These blood specimens shall be submitted for testing.

The bill also states that failure to comply with these requirements constitutes a misdemeanor, and the healthcare provider may be fined not less than ten dollars ($10.00) nor more than one hundred dollars ($100.00) for each offense. The act is set to take effect immediately upon passage.

Statutes affected:
5613: 23-11-8
5613  SUB A: 23-11-8