(a)  A patient has the right to make decisions regarding use of life sustaining procedures as long as the patient is able to do so. If a patient is not able to make those decisions, the durable power of attorney governs decisions regarding use of life sustaining procedures.

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Terms Used In Rhode Island General Laws 23-4.10-5

  • Power of attorney: A written instrument which authorizes one person to act as another's agent or attorney. The power of attorney may be for a definite, specific act, or it may be general in nature. The terms of the written power of attorney may specify when it will expire. If not, the power of attorney usually expires when the person granting it dies. Source: OCC

(b)  This chapter does not prohibit any action considered necessary by the attending physician, health care provider, or emergency medical services personnel for comfort, care, or alleviation of pain.

(c)  The durable power of attorney of a patient known to the attending physician to be pregnant shall be given no force or effect as long as it is probable that the fetus could develop to the point of live birth with continued application of life sustaining procedures.

History of Section.
P.L. 1992, ch. 443, § 2; P.L. 1993, ch. 72, § 1.