Rhode Island General Laws Title 40.1. Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities and Hospitals § 40.1-22-23. Emergency medical or surgical care

Whenever it shall be brought to the attention of the person in charge of a facility, that a client who is resident in that facility is in need of emergency medical and/or surgical care and treatment on the written advice of a physician licensed to practice in Rhode Island, and if the client is eighteen (18) years of age or older, the client shall be the sole person able to authorize the treatment in writing.  If it shall be brought to the attention of the official in charge of the facility that the client is unable to comprehend or understand the treatment to which he or she is voluntarily consenting, or because of his or her medical condition is not able to voluntarily consent, or in the case of a minor the parents or guardian after due diligence cannot be located, and only in those events shall the official in charge of the facility be authorized to sign a consent to authorize emergency treatment on behalf of the client.  The signed consent by the official shall be considered valid, and as if the client shall voluntarily and with full understanding have himself or herself signed the consent.