R.I. Gen. Laws § 23-13.3-2: Definitions.

(a) “Birth defects” means a physical or mental functional deficit or impairment resulting from one or more genetic or environmental causes detected in a newborn or before a child’s fifth (5th) birthday.

(b) “Council” means the birth defects surveillance and information advisory council.

(c) “Department” means the Rhode Island department of health.

(d) “Director” means the director of the department of health.