§ 40.1-22-23 - Emergency medical or surgical care. - Rhode Island Statutes

SECTION 40.1-22-23

   § 40.1-22-23  Emergency medical or surgicalcare. – Whenever it shall be brought to the attention of the person in charge of afacility, that a client who is resident in that facility is in need ofemergency medical and/or surgical care and treatment on the written advice of aphysician licensed to practice in Rhode Island, and if the client is eighteen(18) years of age or older, the client shall be the sole person able toauthorize the treatment in writing. If it shall be brought to the attention ofthe official in charge of the facility that the client is unable to comprehendor understand the treatment to which he or she is voluntarily consenting, orbecause of his or her medical condition is not able to voluntarily consent, orin the case of a minor the parents or guardian after due diligence cannot belocated, and only in those events shall the official in charge of the facilitybe authorized to sign a consent to authorize emergency treatment on behalf ofthe client. The signed consent by the official shall be considered valid, andas if the client shall voluntarily and with full understanding have himself orherself signed the consent.