§ 40.1-22-23. Emergency medical or surgical care.
Whenever it shall be brought to the attention of the person in charge of a facility, that a client who is resident in that facility is in need of emergency medical and/or surgical care and treatment on the written advice of a physician licensed to practice in Rhode Island, and if the client is eighteen (18) years of age or older, the client shall be the sole person able to authorize the treatment in writing. If it shall be brought to the attention of the official in charge of the facility that the client is unable to comprehend or understand the treatment to which he or she is voluntarily consenting, or because of his or her medical condition is not able to voluntarily consent, or in the case of a minor the parents or guardian after due diligence cannot be located, and only in those events shall the official in charge of the facility be authorized to sign a consent to authorize emergency treatment on behalf of the client. The signed consent by the official shall be considered valid, and as if the client shall voluntarily and with full understanding have himself or herself signed the consent.
History of Section.P.L. 1970, ch. 324, § 1; P.L. 1978, ch. 195, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 23-43.1-23; P.L. 1979, ch. 39, § 1; P.L. 1995, ch. 122, § 2.
Structure Rhode Island General Laws
Title 40.1 - Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities and Hospitals
Chapter 40.1-22 - Developmental Disabilities
Section 40.1-22-1. - Short title.
Section 40.1-22-2. - [Repealed.]
Section 40.1-22-3. - Definitions.
Section 40.1-22-4. - General powers and duties of the director.
Section 40.1-22-5. - Construction with other laws.
Section 40.1-22-6. - Admission as a resident in a facility.
Section 40.1-22-7. - Voluntary admissions and discharges.
Section 40.1-22-8. - [Repealed.]
Section 40.1-22-9. - Admission upon application of director, relative, or guardian.
Section 40.1-22-10. - Discharges — Judicial review.
Section 40.1-22-11. - [Repealed.]
Section 40.1-22-12. - Forwarding of client’s letters.
Section 40.1-22-14. - Retention of client for more than six (6) months.
Section 40.1-22-15. - Hearings.
Section 40.1-22-16. - Discharge.
Section 40.1-22-17. - Refusal to discharge.
Section 40.1-22-18. - [Repealed.]
Section 40.1-22-19. - Aliens and nonresidents.
Section 40.1-22-20. - Exclusiveness of this chapter.
Section 40.1-22-21. - State support of poor or indigent clients.
Section 40.1-22-22. - Guardians ad litem.
Section 40.1-22-23. - Emergency medical or surgical care.
Section 40.1-22-24. - [Repealed.]
Section 40.1-22-25. - Conspiracy to commit person improperly.
Section 40.1-22-26. - Deprivation of rights.
Section 40.1-22-27. - Disciplinary action against employee.
Section 40.1-22-28. - Severability.