§ 23-4.11-1. Purpose.
(a) The legislature finds that adult persons have the fundamental right to control the decisions relating to the rendering of their own medical care, including the decision to have life sustaining procedures withheld or withdrawn in instances of a terminal condition.
(b) In order that the rights of patients may be respected even after they are no longer able to participate actively in decisions about themselves, the legislature declares that the laws of the state shall recognize the right of an adult person to make a written declaration instructing his or her physician to withhold or withdraw life sustaining procedures in the event of a terminal condition.
History of Section.P.L. 1991, ch. 166, § 1; P.L. 1991, ch. 308, § 1.
Structure Rhode Island General Laws
Chapter 23-4.11 - Rights of the Terminally Ill Act
Section 23-4.11-2. - Definitions.
Section 23-4.11-3. - Declaration relating to use of life sustaining procedures.
Section 23-4.11-3.1. - Medical orders for life sustaining treatment.
Section 23-4.11-4. - Revocation of declaration.
Section 23-4.11-5. - Recording determination of terminal condition and contents of declaration.
Section 23-4.11-6. - Treatment of qualified patients.
Section 23-4.11-7. - Transfer of patients.
Section 23-4.11-8. - Immunities.
Section 23-4.11-9. - Penalties.
Section 23-4.11-10. - General provisions.
Section 23-4.11-11. - Presumption of validity of declaration.
Section 23-4.11-12. - Recognition of declaration executed in another state.
Section 23-4.11-13. - Repealed.