A Rhode Island living will is a medical declaration that instructs physicians to remove or withhold life-prolonging procedures in the event that a patient is incapacitated or terminally ill. Physicians attending to the patient must determine that the individual is too sick to communicate. Following this determination, the directions stated in the living will shall be followed by physicians to provide the appropriate treatment options for the patient. Should the patient wish to further ensure the medical staff’s adherence to their decisions, they can designate a health care agent by drafting a Medical Power of Attorney.

Laws – § 23-4.11-1

Signing Requirements (§ 23-4.11-3(a)) – Two (2) Witnesses

Statutory Form – § 23-4.11-3(d)

State Definition

Statute – § 23-4.11-2(4)

“Declaration” means a witnessed document executed in accordance with the requirements of §§ 23-4.11-3 or 23-4.11-3.1.