§ 27-39-1 - Definitions. - Rhode Island Statutes

SECTION 27-39-1

   § 27-39-1  Definitions. – As used in this chapter:

   (1) "Elective surgical procedure" means any non-emergencysurgical procedure that may be scheduled at the convenience of the patient orthe surgeon without jeopardizing the patient's life or causing seriousimpairment to the patient's bodily functions;

   (2) "Eligible physician" means a physician licensed topractice medicine and surgery who holds the rank of diplomate of an Americanboard (M.D.) or certified specialist (D.O.) in the surgical or medicalspecialty for which surgery is proposed; and

   (3) "Second surgical opinion" means an opinion of an eligiblephysician based on that physician's examination of a person for the purpose ofevaluating the medical advisability of that person undergoing an electivesurgical procedure. The examinations must be performed after another physicianlicensed to practice medicine and surgery has proposed to perform the surgicalprocedure on the person but prior to the performance of the surgical procedure.