Title 40
Human Services

Chapter 11
Abused and Neglected Children

R.I. Gen. Laws § 40-11-15

§ 40-11-15. Religious practices.

A parent or guardian practicing his or her religious beliefs that differ from general community standards who does not provide specified medical treatment for a child shall not, for that reason alone, be considered a negligent parent or guardian. However, nothing in this section shall: (1) Prevent the child from being considered abused or neglected if the child is harmed, or threatened with harm, as described in § 40-11-2; or (2) Preclude the court from ordering medical services or nonmedical services recognized by the laws of this state to be provided to the child where his or her health requires it.

History of Section.
P.L. 1976, ch. 91, § 2; P.L. 2004, ch. 270, § 1; P.L. 2004, ch. 599, § 1.