Rhode Island General Laws Title 23. Health and Safety § 23-3-9. Form of certificates

(a) In order to promote and maintain uniformity in the system of vital records, the forms of certificates, reports, and other returns required by this chapter, or by regulations adopted under this chapter, shall include as a minimum the items recommended by the federal agency responsible for national vital records subject to approval of and modification by the state director of health.

(b) Each certificate, report, and form required to be filed under this chapter shall have entered upon its face the duly attested date of registration.

(c) Every person required by this chapter to sign any certificate, report, or form shall type or print his or her name and address where there is a place designated for the person's name and address. On death certificates, the cause of death shall be typed or printed in the space provided by the physician filling out the certificate.

(d) The state registrar of vital records shall maintain a record of the social security numbers of the bride and groom as it appears on the application for the marriage license unless the registrar finds good cause for not requiring the number. That social security number shall be kept confidential and shall be disclosed only to the state agency responsible for administering the state's child support enforcement program. Social security numbers obtained pursuant to this section shall not be used for any purpose other than for the establishment and enforcement of child support orders, to the extent authorized by federal laws.

(e) The state registrar shall obtain the social security number of the deceased and that social security number shall appear on the death certificate unless the registrar finds good cause for not requiring the number.