R.I. Gen. Laws § 40.1-2-20: Records of venereal disease.

For the statistical purposes of the department of health, the department of behavioral healthcare, developmental disabilities and hospitals shall keep records of all cases of venereal diseases in institutions under its control, but those records shall not be open to public inspection, and the department of behavioral healthcare, developmental disabilities and hospitals shall make every reasonable effort to keep secret the identity of those with such diseases so far as may be consistent with the enforcement of the provisions of §§ 40.1-2-16 — 40.1-2-21 and with the protection of the public health.