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SB 2115

AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- HEALTH CARE POWER OF ATTORNEY

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Matt LaMountain

SB 2115 updates Rhode Island law to clarify procedures for designating health care agents to make medical decisions during incapacity.

04/03/2026 Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (04/09/2026)
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Bill Summary · SB 2115

Legislative bill overview

SB 2115 modifies Rhode Island's health care power of attorney laws, enabling individuals to designate someone to make medical decisions on their behalf if they become incapacitated. The bill updates existing statutory language to align with current medical practice and decision-making standards, and likely clarifies procedures for appointing and revoking health care agents.

Why is this important

Health care powers of attorney are essential estate planning tools that allow people to control their own medical fate during incapacity, avoiding costly guardianship proceedings and ensuring their values guide treatment decisions. Without clear statutory authority, families may face legal uncertainty during medical crises, and courts may need to intervene to appoint guardians—a more restrictive and expensive process.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope of agent authority: Disagreement over what medical decisions agents can make (end-of-life care, experimental treatments, religious objections) and whether restrictions should apply
  • Safeguards against abuse: Concerns about elder abuse or exploitation if insufficient oversight mechanisms exist for agent conduct
  • Conflict with other directives: Tension between health care power of attorney, living wills, and MOLST/POLST forms regarding which document takes precedence in conflicting situations

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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