R.I. Gen. Laws § 23-4.11-1: Purpose.

(a) The legislature finds that adult persons have the fundamental right to control the decisions relating to the rendering of their own medical care, including the decision to have life sustaining procedures withheld or withdrawn in instances of a terminal condition.

(b) In order that the rights of patients may be respected even after they are no longer able to participate actively in decisions about themselves, the legislature declares that the laws of the state shall recognize the right of an adult person to make a written declaration instructing his or her physician to withhold or withdraw life sustaining procedures in the event of a terminal condition.