It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

SECTION 1. Section 23-4.11-14 of the General Laws in Chapter 23-4.11 entitled "Rights of the Terminally Ill Act" is hereby amended to read as follows:

23-4.11-14. Instructional bracelets. -- (a) Upon the request of a physician, acting on behalf of a qualified patient who does not wish to be resuscitated, the department of health shall issue a nontransferable, nonremovable bracelet to a specific qualified patient, which will be marked "DNR", meaning "do not resuscitate". The bracelet shall also bear the name and address of the patient and the name, address, license number and signature of the physician who affixes has ordered the bracelet to be affixed to the patient's wrist.

(b) If it appears that the bracelet has been tampered with, or has been removed, any physician or emergency medical personnel shall not follow the instructions of the bracelet or former bracelet and may resuscitate the patient.

(c) All bracelets issued by the department of health pursuant to this section shall be registered with the fire department for the city or town in which the patient resides.

(d) The director of the department of health is empowered and directed to promulgate reasonable rules and regulations consistent with this chapter to carry out the purposes of this section.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.