RI S2478

Physicians, nurses, or other licensed medical personnel who knowingly and intentionally fail to provide reasonable medical care to an infant born alive commit a felony punishable by up to $5,000 fine, up to 5 years imprisonment, or both

If the infant dies as a result of the failure to provide care, the medical professional is guilty of manslaughter

"Born alive" is defined as complete expulsion or extraction from the mother at any stage of development where the infant breathes, has a beating heart, umbilical cord pulsation, or voluntary muscle movement

Parents or guardians may refuse consent to treatment that is not medically necessary, poses risks outweighing benefits, or would only temporarily prolong dying when death is imminent

Act takes effect upon passage