AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- HEALTH CARE POWER OF ATTORNEY (Requires hospitals to have a notary on staff all hours of the day and week.)

S2115

2026 -- S 2115
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LC004009
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STATE OF RHODE ISLAND
IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY
JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2026
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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:
January 16, 2026

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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LC004009
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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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LC004009
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