Rhode Island General Laws Title 23. Health and Safety § 23-8-4.1. Power to examine suspected cases--Right of individual to own physician

For the purpose of carrying out the provisions of this chapter, the state department of health is empowered to make examinations of persons reasonably suspected of having a communicable disease;  provided, however, that any person so examined shall have the right to have present at that examination, a physician of his or her own choice, at his or her own expense.  The state department of health shall inform him or her of this right and afford him or her a reasonable opportunity to exercise that right;  and at the trial of any person being prosecuted under the provisions of § 23-1-25, the prosecution must demonstrate that he or she was so informed and was afforded that opportunity.