Title 14
Delinquent and Dependent Children

Chapter 5
Treatment of Juveniles for Chemical Dependency

R.I. Gen. Laws § 14-5-2

§ 14-5-2. Definitions.

For the purpose of this chapter, the following definitions apply:

(1) “Child” or “minor” means any person under eighteen (18) years of age who is not married, is not a parent, or is not emancipated.

(2) “Chemical dependency” means addiction to alcohol and/or other drugs.

(3) “Licensed treatment facilities” means:

(i) A licensed hospital located in Rhode Island which is accredited by the joint commission on the accreditation of hospitals;

(ii) An inpatient facility with residential rehabilitation treatment and/or detoxification programs as licensed by the department of behavioral healthcare, developmental disabilities and hospitals and accredited by the joint commission on accreditation of hospitals. Treatment must be rendered under the direct supervision of a licensed doctor of medicine;

(iii) Day/evening treatment services and/or partial hospitalization services in a licensed hospital located in Rhode Island or in a facility licensed by the department of behavioral healthcare, developmental disabilities and hospitals for substance dependency and substance abuse treatment;

(iv) A facility located in Rhode Island with non-residential treatment programs and facilities approved and licensed by the department of behavioral healthcare, developmental disabilities and hospitals; or

(v) An out-of-state facility which has been approved by the department of behavioral healthcare, developmental disabilities and hospitals.

(4) “Non-custodial, non-invasive treatment” means any treatment where the juvenile is not detained overnight or in any way against his or her will, and which consists only of counseling. This counseling can include help for personal problems and for coping with parental alcohol and drug problems.

(5) “Parent” means a natural or adoptive parent, or a legal guardian.

(6) “Qualified professional” means a physician, nurse, credentialed substance abuse counselor, certified social worker, or a licensed psychologist.

(7) “Substance abuse” means abuse of alcohol and/or other drugs.

History of Section.
P.L. 1988, ch, 665, § 1.