Living Wills and Advance Directives in Rhode Island
How to make a valid living will (advance directive) and medical power of attorney in Rhode Island, with the official form.
Short answer: Rhode Island's living will is a 'declaration' under the Rights of the Terminally Ill Act. A competent adult may sign a declaration about the use of life-sustaining procedures in the presence of two witnesses who are not related to the declarant by blood or marriage. R.I. Gen. Laws § 23-4.11-3
| Living will / advance directive | Rhode Island's living will is a 'declaration' under the Rights of the Terminally Ill Act. A competent adult may sign a declaration about the use of life-sustaining procedures in the presence of two witnesses who are not related to the declarant by blood or marriage. A statutory form is provided in the law, but using it is optional. Source: R.I. Gen. Laws § 23-4.11-3 |
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| Medical power of attorney | Rhode Island uses a durable power of attorney for health care. An adult (18+) may use the statutory form, which must be signed and dated and either witnessed by two qualified adult witnesses or acknowledged before one notary. The named agent, health care providers and their employees, and operators and employees of community care facilities may not be witnesses, and at least one witness (or the notary) must not be a relative or heir of the principal. Source: R.I. Gen. Laws § 23-4.10-2 |
More Rhode Island estate law
- Medical Power of Attorney in Rhode Island
- Small Estate Affidavit in Rhode Island
- Power of Attorney in Rhode Island
- Quitclaim Deeds and Transferring Property in Rhode Island
- Who Inherits If You Die Without a Will in Rhode Island
- How to Make a Valid Will in Rhode Island
- How Probate Works in Rhode Island
- Revocable Living Trusts in Rhode Island
- Executor Duties in Rhode Island
- Letters Testamentary in Rhode Island
- Affidavit of Heirship in Rhode Island
- How to Avoid Probate in Rhode Island
- Transferring a Car After Someone Dies in Rhode Island
- All Rhode Island wills, probate and estate rules
FAQ
How do I make a living will in Rhode Island?
Rhode Island's living will is a 'declaration' under the Rights of the Terminally Ill Act. A competent adult may sign a declaration about the use of life-sustaining procedures in the presence of two witnesses who are not related to the declarant by blood or marriage. A statutory form is provided in the law, but using it is optional.
How do I make a medical power of attorney in Rhode Island?
Rhode Island uses a durable power of attorney for health care. An adult (18+) may use the statutory form, which must be signed and dated and either witnessed by two qualified adult witnesses or acknowledged before one notary. The named agent, health care providers and their employees, and operators and employees of community care facilities may not be witnesses, and at least one witness (or the notary) must not be a relative or heir of the principal.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.