Ethics and Patient Rights

Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care

A durable power of attorney for health care is a written document in which you name another person as agent to make health care decisions for you in case you become unable to make or communicate these decisions yourself.

The elements of the living will may be incorporated into this form if desired.

Rhode Island law provides a form for durable power of attorney for health care and requires its exclusive use. If you want to sign one, you should use the form supplied with these instructions.

Once duly witnessed, the durable power of attorney for health care form carries the force of a legal document.  The document is specific to the State of Rhode Island, but may be applicable in other states as well.

More about durable power of attorney for health care

For individual copies of the Rhode Island form for durable power of attorney for health care and living will, call 401-462-3000.

NOTE: This information is provided to make you generally aware of Rhode Island law about durable powers of attorney for health care and is not intended as legal advice for your particular situation. For legal advice about durable powers of attorney for health care or your health care rights, you should consult with an attorney.