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Rhode Island Living Wills Laws
More Information on Living Wills
| Code Section | 23-4.11-1, et seq. Rights of Terminally Ill Act |
| Specific Powers, Life-Prolonging Acts | Any medical procedure or intervention serving only to prolong the dying process. Does not include anything necessary to alleviate pain or provide comfort and care; must wear DNR bracelet in order to effectuate "do not resuscitate" order. |
| Legal Requirements for Valid Living Will | (1) 18 yrs.; (2) signed; (3) in presence of 2 witnesses (suggested form §23-4.11-3(a)); (4) given no force or effect as long as live birth is probable for pregnant patient; neither witness related to declarant. |
| Revocation of Living Will | Revocable at any time in any manner by which declarant is able to communicate the intent to revoke without regard to physical or mental condition. Only effective upon communication to physician by declarant or one witnessing the revocation |
| Validity from State-to-State | Declaration executed in another state in compliance with the laws of that state is valid. |
| If Physician Unwilling to Follow Durable Power of Attorney | Physician shall make necessary arrangements to effect a transfer |
| Immunity for Attending Physician | No civil, criminal, or professional liability for acting in accordance with requirements of the statute and in accordance with reasonable medical standards |
Note: State laws are constantly changing -- contact an attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.
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