2017 Rhode Island General Laws
Title 23 - Health and Safety
Chapter 23-4.11 - Rights of the Terminally Ill Act
Section 23-4.11-8 - Immunities.
§ 23-4.11-8. Immunities.
(a) In the absence of actual notice of the revocation of a declaration, the following, while acting in accordance with the requirements of this chapter, are not subject to civil or criminal liability or charges of unprofessional conduct:
(1) A physician who causes the withholding or withdrawal of life sustaining procedures from a qualified patient.
(2) A person who participates in the withholding or withdrawal of life sustaining procedures under the direction or with the authorization of a physician.
(3) The health care provider owning or operating the facility in which the withholding or withdrawal occurs.
(4) Emergency medical services personnel who cause or participate in the withholding or withdrawal of life-sustaining procedures under the direction of or with the authorization of a physician or who on receipt of reliable documentation follow an advance directive protocol.
(5) Emergency medical services personnel who proceed to provide life-sustaining treatment to a qualified patient pursuant to a revocation communicated to them.
(b) A physician is not subject to civil or criminal liability for actions under this chapter which are in accordance with reasonable medical standards.
History of Section.
(P.L. 1991, ch. 166, § 1; P.L. 1991, ch. 308, § 1; P.L. 1992, ch. 443, § 3.)
