§ 5-25-17. Immunity from liability for gratuitous emergency care.
(a) No veterinarian licensed under the provisions of this chapter or members of the same profession duly licensed to practice in other states of the United States, who voluntarily and gratuitously and other than in the course of his or her employment or practice renders emergency veterinary assistance to an animal in need of assistance, is liable for civil damages for any injuries that result from acts or omissions by those persons in rendering the emergency care, which may constitute ordinary negligence.
(b) The immunity granted by this section does not apply to acts or omissions constituting gross negligence.
History of Section.P.L. 1985, ch. 531, § 2.
Structure Rhode Island General Laws
Title 5 - Businesses and Professions
Chapter 5-25 - Veterinary Practice
Section 5-25-1. - Chapter title — Creation of board of veterinary medicine.
Section 5-25-2. - Definitions.
Section 5-25-3. - Board — Composition — Appointment and terms of members.
Section 5-25-4. - Board — Qualifications of members.
Section 5-25-5. - Disposition of fees collected.
Section 5-25-6. - Board and department — Powers and duties.
Section 5-25-7. - Practice of veterinary medicine defined.
Section 5-25-7.1. - Record of animals receiving veterinary services.
Section 5-25-8. - Penalty for unauthorized practice of veterinary medicine.
Section 5-25-9. - Prosecution of violations.
Section 5-25-10. - Qualifications for licensure.
Section 5-25-11. - Licensing of veterinarians.
Section 5-25-12. - Expiration and renewal of licenses.
Section 5-25-13. - Emergency services.
Section 5-25-14. - Grounds for denial, revocation, or suspension of license.
Section 5-25-15. - Procedure for discipline of veterinarians.
Section 5-25-17. - Immunity from liability for gratuitous emergency care.