§ 23-4.11-1 - Purpose. - Rhode Island Statutes

SECTION 23-4.11-1

   § 23-4.11-1  Purpose. – (a) The legislature finds that adult persons have the fundamental right tocontrol the decisions relating to the rendering of their own medical care,including the decision to have life sustaining procedures withheld or withdrawnin instances of a terminal condition.

   (b) In order that the rights of patients may be respectedeven after they are no longer able to participate actively in decisions aboutthemselves, the legislature declares that the laws of the state shall recognizethe right of an adult person to make a written declaration instructing his orher physician to withhold or withdraw life sustaining procedures in the eventof a terminal condition.