2025 -- S 0680

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LC001579

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2025

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A N   A C T

RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- CONSENT TO MEDICAL AND SURGICAL

CARE

     Introduced By: Senators LaMountain, and Thompson

     Date Introduced: March 07, 2025

     Referred To: Senate Health & Human Services

     It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

     SECTION 1. Chapter 23-4.6 of the General Laws entitled "Consent to Medical and

Surgical Care" is hereby amended by adding thereto the following section:

     23-4.6-2. Consent to hospice care.

     (a) A patient, recommended for hospice services shall have the right to have a caregiver

present when hospice services are explained to the patient prior to the patient consenting to hospice

services.

     (b) If practical, the patient's caregiver shall be present whenever any medical decisions are

discussed by the hospice healthcare team with the patient.

     (c) Prior to a patient consenting to hospice services, the patient's caregiver shall be provided

with all information regarding the patient's medication and treatment and how entering hospice is

anticipated to effect the prescribed medication and treatment.

     (d) A hospice patient shall have access to visiting nurse care at home and not be excluded

from those services because of income or age limitations.

     SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.

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LC001579

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EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

A N   A C T

RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- CONSENT TO MEDICAL AND SURGICAL

CARE

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     This act would require that an individual's caregiver be present when healthcare decisions

are discussed with the hospice team. It would also prevent a denial of home hospice care because

of age or income.

     This act would take effect upon passage.

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LC001579

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