Rhode Island General Laws Title 23. Health and Safety § 23-1.10-9. Voluntary treatment of alcoholics

(a) An alcoholic may apply for voluntary treatment directly to an approved public treatment facility.  If the proposed patient is a minor or an incompetent person, he or she, a parent, a legal guardian, or other legal representative may make the application.

(b) Subject to rules adopted by the director, the administrator in charge of an approved public treatment facility may determine who shall be admitted for treatment;  provided, however, that a person so admitted may be held by the department for at least thirty (30) days.  That person shall be released at the end of thirty (30) days upon written request to the administrator in charge of the treatment facility.  If a person is refused admission to an approved public treatment facility, the administrator, subject to rules adopted by the director, shall refer the person to another approved public treatment facility for treatment if possible and appropriate.

(c) If a patient receiving inpatient care leaves an approved public treatment facility, he or she shall be encouraged to consent to appropriate outpatient or intermediate treatment.  If it appears to the administrator in charge of the treatment facility that the patient is an alcoholic who requires help, the department shall arrange for assistance in obtaining supportive services and residential facilities.

(d) If a patient leaves an approved public treatment facility, with or against the advice of the administrator in charge of the facility, the department will attempt to make reasonable provisions for his or her transportation to another facility or to his or her home.  If he or she has no home, he or she shall be referred or advised to make contact with the appropriate state or federal agency for assistance in obtaining shelter.  If he or she is a minor or an incompetent person, the request for discharge from an inpatient facility shall be made by a parent, legal guardian, or other legal representative or by the minor or incompetent if he or she was the original applicant.