R.I. Gen. Laws § 33-19-28: Definitions of terms in § 33-19-27.

(a) “Guardian” as used in § 33-19-27 shall be deemed to include a guardian, conservator, curator, committee, or trustee, and any other fiduciary having substantially the same powers and duties as a guardian, conservator, curator, committee, or trustee, with reference to the estate or property of a minor or person non sui juris, or otherwise incapacitated; and a person shall be deemed “under guardianship” within the meaning of § 33-19-27 if a guardian, conservator, curator, committee, or trustee, or other fiduciary having substantially the duties of a guardian, conservator, curator, committee, or trustee has been appointed with reference to his or her estate or property.

(b) This section shall be deemed to be declaratory of the purposes of § 33-19-27 as originally enacted, and shall not be construed so as to invalidate any action taken by any fiduciary heretofore under § 33-19-27.