This bill establishes a new chapter in Title 23 of the General Laws, titled "International Public Health Collaboration," which aims to enhance Rhode Island's preparedness for infectious disease outbreaks through international cooperation. The legislation authorizes the Rhode Island Department of Health to participate in international public health collaboration networks, including the Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network (GOARN).

The Department is granted the authority to enter into public health collaboration agreements with federal agencies, international organizations, academic institutions, and public health authorities. It may also designate a state public health office, department of health laboratory, or program as the institutional partner representing the state in such networks. Additionally, the Department is authorized to participate in training programs, data-sharing initiatives, and technical assistance programs related to outbreak detection and response, as well as provide voluntary deployment of qualified public health personnel to assist in outbreak investigations or response efforts.

The bill includes provisions for privacy and legal protections, ensuring compliance with all applicable federal and state privacy laws, protecting individually identifiable health information consistent with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) and state public health confidentiality statutes, and clarifying that participation will not transfer regulatory or policymaking authority to any international organization. The Department is also required to coordinate its participation in international public health collaboration networks with relevant federal agencies, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, when appropriate. The act will take effect upon passage.