2025 -- S 0682

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LC001578

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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 -- HEALTH CARE POWER OF ATTORNEY

     

     Introduced By: Senator Matthew L. LaMountain

     Date Introduced: March 07, 2025

     Referred To: Senate Health & Human Services

     It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

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     SECTION 1. Chapter 23-4.10 of the General Laws entitled "Health Care Power of

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Attorney" is hereby amended by adding thereto the following section:

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     23-4.10-2.1. Notary public in hospitals.

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     (a) All hospitals in Rhode Island shall have a notary public on staff and available twenty-

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four (24) hours a day and seven (7) days a week.

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     (b) The notary shall be available through the patient services department to notarize

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important healthcare and legal documents including:

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     (1) Advance directive to hospital personnel;

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     (2) Powers of attorney; and

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     (3) Wills.

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     (c) Upon request the notary public shall visit the patient in their room during the

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hospitalization. A valid ID shall be required from the patient and documents shall be signed in the

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presence of the notary.

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     SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.

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LC001578

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EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

A N   A C T

RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- HEALTH CARE POWER OF ATTORNEY

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     This act would require hospitals to have a notary on staff all hours of the day and week.

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     This act would take effect upon passage.

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LC001578

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