Skip to main content
Find a Lawyer

Rhode Island General Laws Title 5. Businesses and Professions § 5-1-16. Architects rendering assistance during disaster emergency--Immunity from civil liability

Current as of January 01, 2022 | Updated by FindLaw Staff

(a) An architect or architectural firm, duly licensed to practice in Rhode Island under this chapter, who or that voluntarily and without compensation provides architectural services at the scene of a disaster emergency is not liable for any personal injury, wrongful death, property damage, or other loss or damages caused by an act or omission of the architect or architectural firm in performing the services.

(b) As used in this section, “disaster emergency” means a disaster emergency declared by executive order or proclamation of the governor pursuant to chapter 15 of title 30.

(c) The immunity provided in subsection (a) of this section applies only to the practice of architecture as defined in this chapter regarding an architectural service that:

(1) Concerns any building, structure, or system, whether publicly or privately owned, that is identified pursuant to a disaster emergency executive order or proclamation;

(2) Relates to the structural integrity of the entire building, structure, or system, or any portion of the structure or system, or to a nonstructural element of the structure or system, affecting public safety; and

(3) Is rendered during the time in which a state of disaster emergency exists, as provided in chapter 15 of title 30.

(d) The immunity granted by this section shall not apply to acts or omissions constituting gross negligence or willful misconduct.

(e) In the event that the governor of Rhode Island declares a state disaster, all registered architects with a National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) certification will be allowed to practice for a period of ninety (90) days from the date of the declared disaster.

Back to chapter list
Previous part of code Next part of code
Back to chapter list

Cite this article: FindLaw.com - Rhode Island General Laws Title 5. Businesses and Professions § 5-1-16. Architects rendering assistance during disaster emergency--Immunity from civil liability - last updated January 01, 2022 | https://codes.findlaw.com/ri/title-5-businesses-and-professions/ri-gen-laws-sect-5-1-16/

Read this complete Rhode Island General Laws Title 5. Businesses and Professions § 5-1-16. Architects rendering assistance during disaster emergency--Immunity from civil liability on Westlaw

FindLaw Codes may not reflect the most recent version of the law in your jurisdiction. Please verify the status of the code you are researching with the state legislature or via Westlaw before relying on it for your legal needs.

Was this helpful?

Search all Rhode Island Codes

Welcome to FindLaw's Cases & Codes

A free source of state and federal court opinions, state laws, and the United States Code. For more information about the legal concepts addressed by these cases and statutes, visit FindLaw's Learn About the Law.

Go to Learn About the Law

Latest Blog Posts

For Legal Professionals

Learn About the Law

Get help with your legal needs

FindLaw’s Learn About the Law features thousands of informational articles to help you understand your options. And if you’re ready to hire an attorney, find one in your area who can help.

Go to Learn About the Law

Need to find an attorney?

Search our directory by legal issue

Enter information in one or both fields (Required)

    More Options
    Copied to clipboard